An unexpected twist in the Lahore Book Fair, where food vendors far outperformed the sale of books!

Events like book fairs are usually celebrated as sanctuaries of literature, where stories, ideas, and creativity take center stage. But this year’s Lahore Book Fair told a very different story, one that sent shockwaves among many organizers, writers, and book lovers. Instead of the pages of novels flipping, it was the sizzling grills and aromatic food counters that got the most attention.

Surprisingly, bookstalls reported the sale of only 35 books, while food vendors went away with business of more than 2,000 food items sold. The numbers reveal a large gap in consumer behavior that invites a discussion on a cultural shift.

A Literary Fair or Food Festival? It’s All in the Numbers

The contrast couldn’t have been more stark: while rows of neatly arranged books sat in wait for curious readers, the lines formed elsewhere. Food stalls were buzzing, full of life, and surrounded by crowds eager for snacks, not stories.

• Books sold: 35
• Food items sold : 2,000+

For the literature-selling vendors, it was a disheartening outcome. However, for the food stalls, it was a day of booming business. The trend certainly raises many questions over what really attracts crowds to public events in Pakistan today.

Why Food Dominated the Fair

Several factors contributed to this surprising result:

1. The Social Factor

Food is not just a meal, it’s an experience. And families and friends came not only for books but also for an outing to the fair. And the smell of freshly cooked snacks would naturally pull attention.

2. Pricing Appeal

While books are almost always expensive, food items tend to be very reasonable in price. In a lot of cases, buying a book just seemed inaccessible compared to buying a snack.

3. The “Entertainment” Mindset 

Book fairs were once cultural anchoring. Nowadays, they are increasingly thought of as social events. People come for outings, selfies, and for exploring stalls rather than serious literary engagement.

4. Lack of Youth Engagement

Many young visitors were more attracted to food, photo corners, and merchandise rather than the aisles of books. The fair didn’t have enough interactive activities that could bring readers closer to the publishers and authors.

A wake-up call to the entire reading community.

The Lahore Book Fair sales statistics offer more than numbers; they highlight an evolving cultural trend. The reading habits of Pakistan continue to struggle against an increasingly entertainment-driven lifestyle, but this need not signal the end for book fairs.

• Organizers will have to reconsider their strategies.
• Including more children’s activities
• Hosting live author sessions
• Giving price discounts and economical book packages
• Digital zone creation for engagement
• Designing immersive literary experiences

Book fairs need to be made more dynamic and interactive to rekindle interest, merging entertainment with education in such a way that reading remains relevant.

The Balanced Path Ahead!

Food dominates because it satisfies an immediate craving. Books, however, feed the mind—and that takes time, interest and cultivation. Both have their place at public events, but the imbalance at this fair shows how crucial it is to revive Pakistan’s reading culture.

The story of the Lahore Book Fair is not about sales, but a reminder that literature needs more solid support and smarter ways to engage people. If organizers, publishers, and educators join hands, the next book fair might finally see the bookshelves as packed as the food stalls.

More updates, stories, and news will be provided as they break, only from Pakistan Updates.