Advisor’s compelling address stuns librarians

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Advisor of the National Library Association (NLA), Syed Khalid Mahmood, stunned the audience with a compelling address during the ceremony organized to celebrate the World Book & Copyright Day at the Junagadh Lawn in Karachi on May 21. 

Although he has never been a library professional himself, he has earned appreciation and reverence from the librarians spread all over the country for having promoted their cause for the last many years and yet again he pleaded their case for due recognition. 

“The librarians employed at the government organizations are blessed with proper grades and facilities but those working in the private sector were not getting adequate compensation which is a pity. This is a serious matter and it demands action. Unity in the ranks of librarians will help resolve such issues,” he advised. 

“The NLA has provided you the platform. Our President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary, Anwar Hussain, have worked with missionary zeal for the last five years to keep it afloat. A few others have assisted them from time to time but let me assure you that it’s in your own interest too if you contribute your bit in making this movement more effective,” Khalid Mahmood, a renowned media personality, remarked. 

“Post-registration the NLA will have mandate to do bigger things. Therefore start extending your support by whatever means right now, if you haven’t started doing it yet. Strong NLA will make you stronger, your profession stronger. It will be for the collective benefit of all professionals,” he stressed.