Pakistan Book Fair Sees Food Outshine Literature Amid Low Sales

The Lahore book fair created surprise and worry among organisers when visitors bought only a few books while the food stalls made very high sales. Many people are now talking about the slow decline of reading culture in Pakistan and what can be done to bring back interest in books. The event became an unexpected example of how food and entertainment attract more attention than reading.

A Strange Fair Day The book fair was planned as a hopeful event where families, students, teachers, and young readers would come to explore new books. Stalls were arranged with care and publishers expected strong sales. Instead, the day took a strange turn. Only thirty five books were sold. In contrast, people stood in long lines for snacks, drinks, and fast food. Food stalls reported more than two thousand sales. This difference shocked the organisers, who worked hard to prepare a space for learning and curiosity.

Why Books Lost Attention There are many reasons why books may not have received attention at the fair. Reading habits have been changing for years. Many young people prefer watching videos, scrolling through social media, or playing games on their phones. These activities offer quick fun and do not need long focus. Books demand time, patience, and a quiet mind. For people who are not used to reading, picking up a book can feel like a difficult task. Price is also an issue because books are becoming more expensive due to printing.

Food as the Main Attraction Food stalls were colourful, lively, and full of familiar smells. They offered comfort and excitement at the same time. Eating together is a social activity and people enjoy sharing snacks with friends and family. The taste and smell of food created a strong pull that book stalls could not compete with. It was easier for visitors to spend money on something they could enjoy instantly rather than on a book that required time and effort.

The Role of Social Media Social media also played a role in shaping behaviour at the fair. Many young visitors came mainly to take photos, record short videos, and share fun moments online. Food stalls were more appealing for pictures. People posed with plates of fries, burgers, and desserts. Book stalls, although valuable, did not look as exciting on camera. This helped push crowd attention even more toward food.

Publishers Share Concerns Publishers and authors who attended the fair expressed their concern. They said the low book sales showed a serious gap between the public and literature. Many publishers said they may not join future fairs if interest continues to fall. Authors worry that new writers will struggle even more because fewer people are reading. Some also believe that schools and families need to encourage reading more strongly or else book culture will continue to fade.

Readers React Not everyone agreed with the negative view. Some readers said that one event cannot represent the entire country and that Pakistan still has many people who love reading. They believe that poor planning, limited advertising, or the wrong location may have affected attendance at this fair. These readers also said that book lovers sometimes avoid fairs if they feel the books are overpriced or too similar to those in regular shops. They suggested offering discounts, interactive activities, and talks by writers.

How to Bring Back Reading Culture Experts say that rebuilding reading culture needs long term efforts. Schools should include more story based learning. Libraries need better budgets so they can update their collections. Parents can help by reading with children at home. Communities can organise storytelling events, book clubs, and reading challenges. Publishers can attract younger readers by offering lower prices and more creative designs. A large change in culture takes time but small steps can slowly guide people back to books.

The Future of Book Fairs Organisers of the Lahore fair now want to redesign future events. They plan to make book fairs more interactive with workshops, live readings, meet the author sessions, and fun spaces for children. They hope that mixing learning with enjoyable experiences will balance the attraction of food stalls. Food can stay part of the event but books must be the main focus. The goal is to turn fairs into places where reading feels both joyful and meaningful.

A Reminder for Society The event served as a reminder for the country. It showed how easily reading can be pushed aside if not protected and supported. Books help shape thinking, improve language, and open the mind. They offer knowledge that no fast snack can replace. When a society reads less, it risks losing creativity and understanding. Many people hope that this fair will spark conversations about how to protect literature and inspire more people to read.

Community Support Matters Another important point is the role of community leaders and local organisations in promoting reading. When neighbourhoods organise small reading corners, open air libraries, and weekend storytelling groups, they create a friendly space where children and adults can enjoy books. These activities do not require large budgets but they build a habit of reading slowly and naturally. Community involvement also encourages people who feel shy or unsure about reading to join without pressure.

Conclusion The Lahore book fair became a symbol of the challenges facing reading culture in Pakistan. While the food stalls were busy, the book stalls felt lonely. This imbalance led to questions about habits, priorities, and the future of learning. The story of the day is not just about low sales. It is about how society is changing and what steps are needed to bring reading back into daily life. The hope is that future fairs will see both food and books enjoyed, with literature back at the centre of attention.