MINGORA: A large number of students and book lovers thronged a book fair here on Thursday to buy reading material of their choice at a reasonable price.

The fair titled ‘Mega Book Fair’ was organised by National Book Foundation in collaboration with district administration to promote reading culture among people.

Thousands of books on various topics and subjects were showcased at the fair for purchase at discount.

Organisers say event to promote reading culture

Apart from book lovers of all ages, many students from different schools and colleges visited the fair to buy books of their choice.

“It is one of the best and healthiest initiatives because in Swat we cannot find every book in the market. Sometimes we have to go to Peshawar or Islamabad to purchase general books on different subjects,” said Abdullah, a student of engineering, who was searching for books of his choice in the fair.

The visitors said that organising such events also increased interest in reading and books. They said that such events must be organised in every district. Many schoolchildren were seen sifting through the books with keen interest to find textbooks and titles of stories at the fair.

“I got excited when I saw so many story books here. I selected some story books and few books of Allama Iqbal’s poetry which I am going to buy and then read them in my free time,” said Haya, a student of a private school.

The students said that they loved general books and were surprised to see such a large number of books at one place.

“It is my first time to visit a book fair. I could not believe in my eyes to see so many books on different subjects and topics at one place. Usually my father brings books from the market for me but today I am happy that I can buy book of my choice at discount,” said Komal, another student of a private school.

Assistant Commissioner Amir Ali Shah, who inaugurated the book fair, said that the sole objective of organising the event was to promote reading culture among students as well as other people.

“It is said that book is the best friend of a person as it not only increases knowledge but also brings positive changes in the behaviour and personality of a reader. We want our new generation to make friendship with books to become positive and useful citizens for this country,” he said.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2019