Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari hailed as the teacher of library teachers

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi
Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA), with the collaboration of Ilm Dost, organized a reception in the honour of Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, one of the founding fathers of library science in Pakistan, at Faran Club, Karachi, on February 8. 

He was hailed as the teacher of library teachers and the benefactor of the profession. 

The North America-based Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, currently visiting his home city of Karachi, was showered with praise for his meritorious services in the field of library and information science. 

Honouring Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, a living legend, was a great idea and the recently formed NLA took the initiative which was duly supported by Shabbir Ibne Adil’s Idarae Ilm Dost and the Faran Club International.

It’s a step in the right direction, worthy to be emulated.

The library scientists in Pakistan have generally not been accorded the due respect and recognition over the years despite their accomplishments and efforts.

The library professionals in the past have had to share a part of the blame for having lacked the will and knowhow to promote themselves.

With the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), despite its existence for more than half a century, still struggling to put their acts together for carrying out its mandated activities, the situation seems to be changing a bit with the advent of a few entities, engaged in the process of making their presence felt on the scene.

The library professionals will, however, be advised to think beyond WhatsApp groups or paper bodies if they really wish to bring about a change for filling the vacuum.