I still remember the early days of lockdown. Streets were empty, shops were closed, and honestly, even getting groceries felt like a mission. For book lovers, it was worse. No Urdu Bazar rush, no second-hand stalls on Sunday, nothing. If you wanted to read, you had only one option: book shopping online in Pakistan.

Now, before the pandemic, not everyone trusted online sellers. Some of us loved the feeling of holding a book before buying it. But once COVID-19 hit, that wasn’t possible anymore. And that’s when people started giving online bookstores a chance.

Life Before the Pandemic

Before COVID, most people in Pakistan bought books the old-fashioned way. If you were in Karachi or Lahore, you probably had a few bookstores you liked. Maybe Urdu Bazar or Saeed Book Bank in Islamabad. If you lived in a smaller town, you went to a local shop that mostly sold textbooks and stationery.

Yes, some websites sold books online before the pandemic. But not many people used them. Why? A few reasons. People didn’t fully trust online sellers. Delivery services were sometimes unreliable. And honestly, book lovers enjoyed the experience of walking into a shop.

Then the pandemic arrived, and suddenly, all of that changed.

The First Big Shift

When the lockdown started, everyone was stuck at home. Schools and universities went online. Offices closed, and people had extra time on their hands. Some turned to movies, some to cooking, but many turned back to reading.

The problem? Bookstores were shut. So people went online. Websites saw a sudden jump in orders. Small sellers popped up on Instagram and Facebook, offering home delivery. Even WhatsApp became a place to order books. Students desperately needed textbooks, and casual readers wanted novels to fight boredom.

For the first time, many people tried book shopping online in Pakistan. Some were hesitant at first, but once they saw that books really did arrive at their doorstep, the habit stuck.

Why People Moved Online

Looking back, the reasons are pretty clear.

• Safety: Going out during COVID was risky. Staying home and ordering was safer.
• Convenience: No travel, no searching from shop to shop. Just a few clicks.
• Choice: Online stores often had more options, novels, educational, imported editions, rare Islamic finds.
• Delivery: The excitement of a package arriving at your door was a little joy in tough times.

It wasn’t just about books anymore. It was about adjusting to a new way of living.

Online Stores Step Up

As demand grew, online bookstores in Pakistan became more active. Big names improved their websites, while smaller sellers used social media to connect with buyers. Some even offered bundles, like “3 novels for Rs. 1,000”, to attract readers.

The variety expanded, too. You could find Urdu poetry, English classics, children’s storybooks, and even exam prep guides. Suddenly, book shopping online in Pakistan wasn’t just about convenience. It became about having more choices than ever before.

Digital Payments Becoming Normal

Another big change was payments. Before COVID, most people only trusted cash on delivery. During the pandemic, that wasn’t always practical. So, people started using Easypaisa, JazzCash, and bank transfers.

This shift built trust between customers and sellers. When digital payments became common, online book shopping felt more reliable. And honestly, it made life easier.

The Struggles Along the Way

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth. Many readers faced problems.

• Deliveries were delayed because of lockdown restrictions.
  Shipping fees were sometimes higher than expected.
• Popular books went out of stock quickly.
• Some customers received low-quality or pirated copies.

I remember a friend ordering an imported novel and waiting almost two months to get it. But despite these issues, readers kept ordering. The hunger for books was stronger than the inconvenience.

Rise of E-Books and Audiobooks

One surprising trend was the sudden interest in digital books. While waiting for deliveries, many people tried e-books and audiobooks. Students downloaded PDFs of textbooks. Professionals listened to audiobooks while cooking or exercising.

Now, let’s be honest, most Pakistani readers still prefer printed books. But during COVID, digital formats became a practical option. This opened the door for a more blended reading culture in the country.

Social Media Communities

Another interesting change was the role of social media. Book communities on Facebook and Instagram grew quickly. People shared reviews, swapped recommendations, and even bought directly from sellers posting on their pages.

This gave book shopping online in Pakistan a more personal touch. Instead of just clicking “add to cart,” you could chat with a seller, ask for suggestions, and even request specific editions. It felt less like dealing with a faceless website and more like talking to a fellow book lover.

Students and Education

Let’s not forget students. They were probably the biggest group affected by this shift. Schools and universities went online, and libraries were closed. That meant buying textbooks became essential.

Websites that sold academic books became lifesavers. Some even offered used books at lower prices to help students during tough financial times. This demand played a huge role in pushing more people toward online platforms.

What Stayed After the Pandemic

Now that restrictions are gone, many people wonder: did this trend slow down? Actually, no. Once people got used to online shopping, they didn’t want to give it up. The convenience was just too good.

Readers are now comfortable browsing hundreds of titles online, reading reviews, and comparing prices. Even if bookstores are open again, many still choose the online option first.

The Future of Book Shopping Online in Pakistan

Looking ahead, things seem bright. Sellers are learning from their mistakes. Deliveries are faster, packaging is better, and many websites are improving their catalogs. Digital payments are now common, which builds more trust.

We can also expect more growth in e-books and audiobooks. Younger readers, in particular, are open to mixing print and digital formats. And with more local publishers exploring online platforms, the choices will only expand.

In short, book shopping online in Pakistan isn’t going anywhere. It’s now part of the reading culture.

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 changed how we live in so many ways, and book buying was no exception. What started as a necessity during lockdown has turned into a long-term habit. Readers discovered the ease of ordering online, sellers found new ways to connect, and the whole system became more modern.

Yes, there were delays, high shipping fees, and the occasional bad copy. But the benefits outweighed the problems. Today, readers in Pakistan have more access, more variety, and more convenience than ever before.

So if you think about it, the pandemic didn’t just make us switch to online shopping, it permanently reshaped the way we read and buy books. And that’s why book shopping online in Pakistan is stronger today than it has ever been.