NLA, DMC officials undertake whirlwind tour of Nazimabad libraries

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Key officials of the National Library Association (NLA) and the District Municipal Corporation (DMC), Karachi Central, undertook a whirlwind tour of three libraries housed in the densely populated locality of Nazimabad which has had a rich history of producing literary stalwarts, international athletes and acclaimed intellectuals besides high-achievers in various other fields. 

The NLA delegation comprised of its President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, while Saleem Ahmed Siddiqui, Director Libraries, DMC Central, led his team. Together, they visited Sehba Akhtar Library, Allama Shabbir Ahmed Usmani Library and Al-Huda Library on October 31.

“It was a great experience to have visited these libraries after quite a while and spending some time there. We interacted with the staff of duty to find out firsthand about the challenges being faced by them in carrying out their responsibilities,” the NLA President remarked in a conversation with PNFS later in the evening.

“It was gladdening to discover the high spirits of the librarians and the support staff despite working in an environment which was far from ideal. They deserve praise for having braved all the challenges over the years and survived the toughest of circumstances. They remain optimistic about change of heart of the authorities at some point of time,” Muzaffar Ali Shah added.

“The visit to these libraries has brought to light the fact that there’s adequate space available almost everywhere which sadly wasn’t being utilized in the desired manner. These libraries have the potential to become the centres of learning in their respective areas if the concerned authorities make a point to do so,” the NLA President reckoned.

“The engagement of the DMC Central in activities aimed at upgrading its 11 libraries augurs very well for the future of the citizens of Karachi who are known to be laborious, educated and hardworking. More facilities should be provided at these libraries to bring about real change,” he opined. 

“The NLA remains committed to play its due role in promoting library culture and we are delighted to have joined hands with DMC Central in achieving our mutual objectives. Together we can make greater impact as we plan to take other stakeholders on board too for fast-tracking the project of revival of 11 libraries in Karachi Central,” Muzaffar Ali Shah felt.

Meanwhile the NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, was pleasantly surprised to find one of his books 'Pakistan's Triumph in World Cup Cricket 1992' prominently displayed on the shelf of Sehba Akhtar Library.