PESHAWAR: Islami Jamiat Talaba, the student wing of Jamaat-i-Islami, organised its 14th annual book fair at Puta Hall, University of Peshawar, on Tuesday.

Students, teachers and book lovers turned up in the event in a large number, showing keen interest in the titles displayed at different stalls. Traditional food and beverages stalls were also part of the event. Dignitaries, families and bibliophiles thronged the annual event.

Organisers said that turnout of visitors in the book fair remained quite encouraging as the number of book lovers each year swelled and despite social media onslaught, young students turned to written words to enlarge their mental scope.

JI former chief Sirajul Haq inaugurated the event and said that IJT annually arranged book fair to connect students to the treasure of books. He said such events on campuses had always been the first priority of IJT for which it should be appreciated.

“Developed nations always give top priority to ‘book’ because book is a precious asset, which enlightens thoughts, heightens character of young people and changes the destiny of nations. No concept of progress is possible without book,” he observed.

Around 70 bookstalls were set up by publishers and booksellers from Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and Peshawar at the event. Over 50,000 titles on a wide range of topics were displayed at the event, offering 50 per cent discount price on books and thesis titles.

Students from all universities showed up in the event on the opening day. They showed great interest in books on variety of topics from IT, population explosion, climate change, religion to international affairs and artificial intelligence (AI).

IJT campus chief Taqweemul Haq also addressed the opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, members of Literary Forum Karwan-i-Hawwa a women literary organisation called on Governor Faisal Karim Kundi here on Tuesday and briefed him on literary contributions of the organisation.

Led by Bushra Farrukh, the delegates presented a detailed report to governor regarding the activities of Literary Forum Karwan-i-Hawwa (LFKH) working for the grooming up of women in the field of arts and literature.

The delegation also appraised the governor of book launches, celebrating national days and religious festivals where women were trained and encouraged to contribute to society. He was also briefed on the upcoming annual event titled ‘literary awards’ and a multilingual mushaira.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2025