Largest Bookshops in Pakistan

Pakistan is a country of diverse cultures and traditions, and one of the best ways to explore its literary heritage is by visiting its bookshops. Pakistan has a rich literary history and is home to many great authors and poets. The country has a thriving book industry, with many local and international publishers producing books in both English and Urdu. There are many bookshops in Pakistan that offer a range of books, from classic literature to contemporary fiction. In this article, we will explore the best bookshops in Pakistan that every book lover must visit.

Literature of Pakistan

The literature of Pakistan is as diverse as its culture and is deeply rooted in its history. The country has a rich literary tradition, with a long history of poetry, prose, and storytelling. The literature of Pakistan can be broadly classified into three categories: pre-partition literature, post-partition literature, and contemporary literature.

Pre-partition literature refers to the literary works produced in the subcontinent before the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. Urdu poetry was the dominant form of literature during this period, with renowned poets such as Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, and Faiz Ahmed Faiz producing some of their most memorable works. Other forms of literature, such as folktales, proverbs, and fables, were also popular during this time.

Post-partition literature refers to the literary works produced in Pakistan after its independence in 1947. This period saw the emergence of new writers and poets who explored the themes of identity, nationalism, and social justice. Urdu continued to be the dominant language of literature during this time, but regional languages such as Punjabi, Sindhi, and Balochi also gained prominence. Some of the notable writers of this period include Saadat Hasan Manto, Ahmed Faraz, and Bano Qudsia.

Contemporary literature in Pakistan reflects the country’s complex social, political, and cultural landscape. This period has seen the emergence of new voices and genres, with writers exploring a wide range of themes and styles. Urdu and English continue to be the dominant languages of literature in Pakistan, but regional languages such as Pashto, Balochi, and Sindhi are also making their mark. Some of the notable writers of contemporary literature in Pakistan include Kamila Shamsie, Mohsin Hamid, and Nadeem Aslam.

Liaqat Book Store

Liaqat Book Store is one of the oldest and most well-known bookshops in Lahore, Pakistan. The bookshop was founded in 1975 and has been serving the local community for over 48 years. Liaqat Book Store offers a wide range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, academic books, and more. The bookshop also specializes in textbooks and has a range of books for students of all ages. Liaqat Book Store is known for its exceptional customer service, with knowledgeable staff who are always willing to assist customers in finding the perfect book. The bookshop also offers a home delivery service, making it easy for customers to get their favorite books delivered to their doorstep. Overall, Liaqat Book Store is a must-visit for book lovers in Lahore, thanks to its wide range of books and excellent customer service.

Wide range of books: Liaqat Book Store offers a diverse selection of books, including fiction, non-fiction, academic books, children’s books, and more. The bookshop also specializes in textbooks, making it a one-stop-shop for students of all ages.

Home delivery: The bookshop offers a home delivery service, making it easy for customers to get their favorite books delivered to their doorstep. This service is available for customers within Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Knowledgeable staff: The staff at Liaqat Book Store are knowledgeable and friendly, always willing to assist customers in finding the perfect book. They can also provide recommendations based on a customer’s interests and preferences.

Book reservations: Customers can reserve books in advance, ensuring that they are available when they visit the bookshop. This service is particularly useful for popular titles that may sell out quickly.

Book fairs: Liaqat Book Store participates in book fairs and exhibitions, showcasing its latest collection of books and offering special discounts to customers.

Gift vouchers: The bookshop offers gift vouchers that can be used to purchase books, making them a great gift for book lovers.

Liberty Books

Liberty Books is one of the largest bookshops in Pakistan, with over 700,000 titles available in both English and Urdu. The bookshop has a modern design and is located in major cities across Pakistan, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. Liberty Books has a wide range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, academic books, and more. The bookshop also offers a loyalty program and regular discounts to its customers.

The Last Word

The Last Word is a cozy little bookshop located in Lahore. The bookshop has a rustic feel and offers a curated collection of books, including contemporary and classic literature, history, philosophy, and more. The Last Word also hosts regular events, such as book clubs, author meet-and-greets, and book launches. The bookshop has a loyal customer base and is a must-visit for book lovers in Lahore.

Saeed Book Bank

Saeed Book Bank is one of the oldest and most well-known bookshops in Pakistan. The bookshop was founded in 1955 and has a vast collection of books, with over 500,000 titles available. Saeed Book Bank is located in Islamabad and is a popular destination for students, academics, and book lovers. The bookshop offers books in both English and Urdu and has a wide range of categories, including science, history, philosophy, and more.

Readings

Readings is another popular bookshop chain in Pakistan, with branches in major cities across the country. The bookshop offers a range of books, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and academic books. Readings also has a cafe where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing through the books. The bookshop hosts regular events, such as book launches, author talks, and book clubs.

Kitabistan

Kitabistan is a popular bookshop located in Karachi. The bookshop has a vintage feel and offers a wide range of books, including classic literature, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction. Kitabistan is known for its collection of rare and out-of-print books, making it a must-visit for book collectors and enthusiasts. The bookshop also hosts regular events, such as book launches and author talks.

The Book Group

The Book Group is a unique bookshop located in Islamabad. The bookshop has a small collection of books but offers a personalized service to its customers. The Book Group specializes in books related to Pakistan and has a range of books on history, politics, culture, and more. The bookshop also has a cafe where customers can relax and read their favorite books.

Ferozsons

Ferozsons is one of the oldest bookshops in Pakistan, founded in 1894. The bookshop has a rich history and is located in Lahore. Ferozsons has a vast collection of books, with over 50,000 titles available. The bookshop offers books in both English and Urdu and has a range of categories, including fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, and academic books. Ferozsons also has a cafe where customers can enjoy a cup of coffee while browsing through the books.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the literature of Pakistan is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage and history. From the pre-partition era to the present day, Pakistani writers and poets have produced works that have captured the imagination of readers around the world. With a growing interest in Pakistani literature, the future looks bright for the country’s literary tradition.