LAHORE: The five-day 25th Lahore International Book Fair 2011, which started at Lahore Expo Centre, Johar Town, on Thursday received tremendous response on its second day on Friday.

Around 165 local and foreign publishers and education-related organisations have set up stalls in the book fair on a variety of topics, including education, computer and information technology, engineering, business management, medical sciences, agriculture, literature, law and children literature.

The book fair is also having stalls related to educational and stationery items while special discount on books and other stationery items is being offered to the visitors.The visitors, while talking to The News, appreciated the organisers of the book fair, saying the event provided them a chance to take part in a positive and healthy activity and promoted book reading. People from different walks of life, especially teachers, students and educationists, visited the book fair in large numbers to buy available discount offers.

Sajid Rizvi, who was representing the Punjab Education Foundation (PEF) in the book fair, termed the event a great step to promote the cause of education and literacy. Hamad Raza, a visitor, said the book fair had offered thousands of books under one roof, adding that it was indeed the best opportunity to explore the world of books. He was of the view that such events should be organised on a regular basis as they helped promote book reading and positive and healthy activities among the people, especially the youth.

A student, Sadia, said in the view of deteriorating law and order situation and frequent incidents of terrorism, the book fair was like a fresh air and a positive development for promoting peace and love through books.

It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had inaugurated the 25th Lahore International Book Fair 2011 on April 7. The event will continue till April 11 while entry is free.