Published 17:45 IST, October 23rd 2024
35 Books And 800 Biryanis Sold in Pakistan Book Fair? Truth Behind Viral Story
Viral claims about the Lahore Book Fair selling only 35 books while serving 800 biryanis have been debunked as false, highlighting misinformation online.
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In a country where biryani can spark heated debates and cricket matches bring entire neighborhoods to a standstill, it seems the Lahore International Book Fair recently took a humorous turn. Social media was ablaze with claims that only 35 books were sold at the fair while attendees devoured a staggering 800 plates of biryani and 1,200 shawarmas. If only there were a category for โBest Food Fairโ at a book fair, Pakistan would surely take home the trophy! The idea of literary enthusiasts prioritizing their appetites over books raised eyebrows and laughs, suggesting that the event felt more like a feast than a celebration of literature.
Misleading Information Circulates
The uproar began when a Pakistani Twitter account, Front Page Pakistan , shared a post about the book fair, which was quickly picked up by various media outlets, including Hindustan Times and Dainik Jagran. The post alleged that the book sales were dismally low compared to the massive food consumption at the event, leading to widespread trolling among both Indian and Pakistani users.
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Actor Admits to Sharing False Claims
However, the authenticity of this claim has been challenged. Pakistani actor Khalid Inam, who initially shared the post, later admitted that he did not verify the information before posting it. Speaking to BBC Urdu, Inam stated, โI do not confirm the claims made in the post to be true,โ and offered an apology for spreading misinformation.
Debunking the Exaggerations
The viral story has been debunked by outlets like English TV, which reported that the figures mentioned in the viral posts were exaggerated and not reflective of the actual events at the Lahore International Book Fair. This highlights the importance of fact-checking before sharing information on social media, especially when it pertains to cultural events.
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17:45 IST, October 23rd 2024