Tuesday, January 4, 2022

NLA seminar highlights reading benefits

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 
(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The seminar organized by the National Library Association (NLA) during the just concluded 16th Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) at the Karachi Expo Centre highlighted the multiple benefits of reading books and the working librarians were urged to facilitate the readers. 

‘Revival of Library Culture in Pakistan’ was the topic of the seminar in which eminent scholars and educationists shared their thoughts and came up with suggestions to do something concrete in this direction instead of just lip servicing. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, in his twin speeches on the occasion, drew the attention of the audience towards the huge turnout of bookworms on a Sunday morning at the KIBF which itself was a testimonial of people’s continued reliance on printed copies of books for enhancing knowledge by seeking accurate information instead of relying on digital platforms. 

Renowned journalist, poet and author, Mahmood Sham, who presided over the ceremony, informed the audience that, despite all challenges, there were still a large number of people, spread in different parts of the country, who were prepared to travel places for getting hold of books of their taste and choice. 

Prof Dr Farhat Hussain Khan, chairperson of the Library & Information Science department of the University of Karachi, and two of his predecessors, Prof Dr Malahat Kaleem Sherwani and Prof Dr Munira Nasreen, also enlightened the audience with their observations and suggestions. Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, and Anwar Hussain, Secretary, NLA, were lauded for their efforts in promoting library culture. Younis Hashmi, Information Secretary, proposed the vote of thanks after an enlightening one-hour session.

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