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    Lahore's Sunday Book Bazaar

    Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
    Posted on: December 09, 2019 | | 中文

    A Stall at the Sunday Book Bazaar (credits to Moiz Abdul Majid)

    There are always unique and exciting treasures to be found in the Old City of Lahore for those who like to explore it. But perhaps, one of Lahore’s more underrated places is its Sunday Book Bazaar right off Anarkali Bazaar. Vendors gather every Sunday morning to sell wonderfully surprising and diverse collections of books. One can spend hours scouring through the stalls, and never get tired of looking through all the books.

    Pak Tea House (photo credits to everyday Pakistan on Instagram)

    The Sunday Book Bazaar started around the 1960s, by one Sheikh Abdul Haq. Its backdrop is the famous Pak Tea House, historically home to the Progressive Writer’s Movement. The bazaar extends from across the café, all the way to the end of the street, to across Hafiz Juice Corner. It is not altogether dissimilar to bookstalls outside Frere Hall, or even the well-known Urdu Bazaar, which takes place close by.

    It is said that this book bazaar is every Lahori’s final resort to find rare editions, as the books sold here are not found in more established bookshops. Here, one can find books from all genres, from books on biology to engineering manuals, to the finest literature in both Urdu and English. Besides English and Urdu, there are collections in other languages, such as encyclopedias or biographies in Chinese, Hindi, and Russian. And most of these books are very affordable, with some being sold for as low as Rs. 30.

    One can find the rarest antique books, to the latest popular bestsellers. Most of these books are second-hand, taken from or donated by personal collections, or libraries which would otherwise throw them away. Some can still be found with names, hidden notes and bookmarks in them, which becomes a treasure in itself. Alongside books, some vendors also sell old records and movie posters, from the old theatres that used to operate close to the Mall.

    Both young and old visit the book bazaar, and it has become something of a recreational activity for the people of Lahore. Students from all over the city venture here to buy research books, or test preparation books at affordable prices. Meanwhile, regular customers have been visiting the bazaar for years, and see it as the best possible option to gain knowledge at affordable rates.

    Visitors Exploring the Book Stalls (photo credits to Hamna Jabbar)

    Searching for the right book here does require a bit of patience and an open mind. The most interesting books can often be found on the ground, under heaps of other strange and tattered editions. Luck is very important, and there is no telling what one can discover. Personal favorites include a Van Gogh art book, and a 1936 edition of Russian author Nikolai Gogol’s “Dead Souls”.

    Since the book vendors here have been setting up stalls since the 60’s, many of the vendors are often related to each other. They understand the value of each author and work, and some will even recommend authors and books based on what they see people pick up. While haggling is certainly an option, it may work against one’s favor. As a vendor rightly quipped, “We don’t sell suits, we sell books! We know their value, and they’re worth the investment!”

    Books and Magazines available on Sale (photo credits to al Arabiya English)

    However, there has not been any expansive documentation or research into this bazaar, as it is considered an informal market. Earlier, the Punjab government had announced plans to make a “book street” on Thornton Road in 2009. But so far, there has been no immediate plans to implement this idea, nor to legitimize these book vendors.

    The Sunday Book Bazaar is a treasure trove of information, and carries an impressive collection of books that may not be found anywhere in the country. It is a space where everyone can come together to celebrate their love of reading, no matter where they are from. Whether one goes there for the first time or returns regularly, a Sunday spent at the Book Bazaar will always be an enjoyable adventure.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021