Food stalls outshine literature at the Lahore book fair, raising concerns over the promotion of reading culture in Pakistan

In a rather surprising turn of events, the recent book fair in Lahore, Pakistan, has revealed a disheartening trend: culinary delights have completely overshadowed literary pursuits. Organised with the noble intention of promoting literature and culture, the event instead saw only 35 books sold, while attendees indulged in over 1,200 shawarmas and more than 800 plates of biryani.

Lahore, often celebrated as the cultural heart of Pakistan and historically a haven for intellectual and literary activities, has produced some of the subcontinent’s most esteemed authors, such as Saadat Hasan Manto and Faiz Ahmed Faiz. The city’s rich literary tradition makes this underwhelming turnout at the book fair even more ironic.

According to a report from Asia News Network, the disparity between food sales and book sales is staggering. The fair, intended as a celebration of literary culture, was largely transformed into a food festival, with the delicious aroma of shawarmas and biryani capturing the attention of attendees more effectively than the allure of new books.

The numbers tell a compelling story: while the bookshelves languished with a mere 35 purchases, food stalls experienced a bustling trade, indicating a preference for immediate gratification over intellectual engagement. This stark contrast has raised questions about the current state of reading culture in Pakistan and the effectiveness of such literary events in sparking interest in books among the public.

Local commentators are expressing concerns that the overwhelming success of food vendors at the book fair might reflect broader societal trends, where fast food takes precedence over the slow and enriching experience of reading. The fair’s failure to ignite interest in literature points to an urgent need for innovative strategies to engage potential readers and revive the reading culture in Pakistan.

In the wake of this event, stakeholders in the literary community may need to rethink their approaches, potentially integrating more engaging activities, such as author signings, readings, and interactive discussions, alongside the traditional book displays. As it stands, the Lahore book fair serves as a reminder that in an age of instant gratification, the love for books must be actively cultivated.