FAISALABAD: The five-day 19th annual book fair started at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) on Monday. It was inaugurated by France`s Ambassador to Pakistan Martine Dorance.

UAF Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Iqrar Ahmad and other university officials were also present on the occasion. As many as 30 bookstalls along with more than 50,000 books on various topics, including arts, science, agriculture, engineering, literature and Islam, are available on subsidised rates.

The ambassador called the holding of the book fair an encouraging move towards inculcating reading habit among masses. She stressed upon the need to promote bool(reading.

The VC said it had been observed that the youth would be mostly glued to their mobile phones and the habit of reading books was decreasing. The objective of the event was to promote reading in society as well as provision of books at discounted rates under one roof. He said that book reading was very important not only for education and research, but also to develop one`s character and personality.

Meanwhile, the French ambassador also held a meeting with the deans and directors of the university. She also inaugurated the French Information Centre and said it would help students get information and guidelines for admissions to universities in France. She said Pakistan and France had been enjoying long-term ties since 1947. Staff Correspondent