NLA officials sprint across Karachi libraries

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top officials of the National Library Association (NLA) recently undertook visits of some of the educational and research institutions of Karachi to obtain first-hand information about the libraries working. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and its Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, managed to sprint across no less than half a dozen such establishments in a matter of just two days. They were warmly greeted by the working librarians and almost all of them pledged support to the cause of the Association. 

Bahria University, Karachi School of Business and Leadership, University of Karachi, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transportation, Sindh High Court and Dow University of Health Sciences were among the institutions visited by the NLA delegation.

“It was both a fact finding mission as well as a reunion. Besides learning about their latest engagements and activities, we also brainstormed about doing things for the further progress of our fellow library professionals. It was unanimously agreed that coordinated efforts were needed to bring about meaningful changes,” the NLA President remarked. 

“The NLA was appreciated for its proactive approach and we have been assured cooperation and support of various kinds by the institutions we visited. On our part we urged all the library professionals to contribute their bit in this movement in whatever way it was possible for them. We made them understand that every effort, minor or major, will go a long way in further strengthening the NLA and let us achieve our cherished goals,” Muzaffar Ali Shah concluded.

NLA ponders over street libraries chains

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has started pondering on establishing a chain of street libraries throughout the country and it has already shortlisted the sites which could be turned into places of learning. 

 

“We recognize the initiatives of a few individuals and organizations in relation of development street libraries in some parts of the country but we consider it just a drop in the ocean. We don’t need just one two or three street libraries but we require it in hundreds and thousands across the country to cater to the needs of the big population,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, remarked after presiding over a couple of meetings in this regard in as many days. 

 The first meeting was held at the historic D J Science College in Karachi where the waiting area in the newly constructed site on Burns Road has been proposed by the NLA by for the development of a street library in the densely populated locality. 

It was followed by another midnight meeting hosted by the Syed Sultan Ali, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, who volunteered to look into the possibilities of establishing a street library in the lawn of his corner bungalow, located in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. 

Besides the NLA President, Muzaffar Ali Shah, the meeting was also attended by its Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, who appreciated the spirit of fellow member Sultan Ali, who has actively participated in the other events as well.

The high energy of the NLA top functionaries augurs well for the community of librarians in the country which didn't have the kind of leaders needed to motivate and drive them.

NLA establishing new tradition for book promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA), which emerged on the horizon in 2017, is in the process of establishing a new healthy tradition for the genuine promotion of books as it encourages its members to bring books during its various events for its onward donation to the deserving institutions on the occasion. 

For its ceremony organized to celebrate the World Book and Copyright Day at the Junagadh Lawn on May 21, the NLA had highlighted in the invitation card that there will no registration fee for the event but every guest must bring along a book or two for donating the same to the Junagadh Library & Resource Centre. 

The NLA members and guests responded positively and there was a collection of more than one hundred books on different subjects which was gifted to the officials of the Junagadh Library & Resource Centre who gleefully accepted the package.

Similarly instead of giving away shields or momentoes to the dignitaries and guests of honour, the NLA presented books to the distinguished visitors gracing the ceremony, who thoroughly appreciated the move of the hosts.

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.

Dedicated libraries for women demanded

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Association)

The speakers at a seminar ‘Role of Libraries in Women Empowerment’ which was held at the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on March 26 demanded of the concerned authorities to develop libraries exclusively for women in major cities of the country. 

The seminar, organized jointly by Literary Committee of KPC, National Library Association (NLA) and Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD), highlighted the issues being faced by women library users besides throwing light on the opportunities awaiting them by making frequent use of libraries. 

Revealing that a library exclusively for women has been operating in Balochistan for the past six years, they urged the government as well as other stakeholders were to set up such libraries in various cities to facilitate women in learning and earning. 

Farheen Mahmood, Vice President, NLA, and Principal, Government Degree College, North Karachi, was the keynote speaker in the seminar while the session was presided over by Jahangir Moghul, a renowned social figure and philanthropist. 

The speakers in the seminar included Asma Hassan, a famous motivational writer and author, besides experienced librarians, Muhammad Ibrahim, Huma Mannan Butt, Muhammad Nasir Nayab and Muhammad Amin Jamali. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and its Secretary, Anwar Hussain, also spoke on the occasion while the proceedings were conducted by Syed Khalid Mahmood, a veteran journalist and library activist. 

The audience, mostly belonging to the field of library and information science, was enlightened by the thought-provoking narrations by the worthy speakers for about two hours. 

The seminar was organized as part of the International Women Day’s celebrations. Copies of acclaimed book, Mayar-e-Zindagi, authored by Asma Hassan, one of the speakers of the event, was presented to the dignitaries and participants.

Younis Hashmi appointed NLA Overseas Coordinator

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has appointed Muhammad Younis Hashmi as its Overseas Coordinator with immediate effect. 

He has also been re-designated as the Association’s Public Relation Secretary, after having served as the Information Secretary with distinction for the past couple of years. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, while making the announcement in Karachi on March 24, thoroughly praised the efforts of Younis Hashmi in the formative years of the Association which had come into being in 2017. 

“Being one of our founder members, he has played a very active role during the last five years. He has worked very hard during the past couple of years in particular and his contribution in reaching out the library professionals far and wide has helped the cause of the Association immensely,” the NLA President recognized. 

“We are confident that the twin responsibilities bestowed on him will further boost the NLA locally and abroad. His networking with librarians all over the world and his agility to personally visit libraries in different locations remain an asset to the Association,” Muzaffar Ali Shah commended. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, also lavishly praised the proactive approach of Younis Hashmi.

"He brings great energy and enthusiasm to the NLA team. His selfless attitude is praiseworthy and his dedication and commitment to the Association is second to none. He thoroughly deserves the twin portfolio and his efforts will surely enable the NLA to scale greater heights," the NLA Advisor reckoned. 

After having retired from long service as librarian at the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the soft-spoken Younis Hashmi has been commuting regularly to Canada besides visiting other countries.

NLA condoles death of journalist’s mother

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A delegation of the National Library Association (NLA) visited the Karachi Press Club on March 21 to condole the death of the mother of senior journalist, Chand Nawab. 

The NLA delegation was headed by its President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and it comprised of Syed Khalid Mahmood (Advisor), Anwar Hussain (Secretary General) and Muhammad Ibrahim (Member, Executive Committee). They offered Fateha for the departed soul and expressed their grief. 

Chand Nawab thanked the NLA President and its other office-bearers for having turned up to console the death of his mother.

NLA hails its officials’ contribution in Customs Cricket Journey

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has hailed the contribution of two of its key office-bearers, Syed Khalid Mahmood and Muhammad Ibrahim, in the 476-page hardbound epic book ‘Customs Cricket Journey’ which was unveiled in Karachi on March 21. 

“The NLA and the entire librarian community of the country feel honoured by the achievement of both our officials, who have been recognized in the book for their editorial contributions. The active involvement of our worthy colleagues in such a momentous project is also a testimonial for us,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, remarked during a brief chat at Karachi Press Club. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, a seasoned journalist and author, presented a copy of ‘Customs Cricket Journey’ to Muhammad Ibrahim, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, and Chief Librarian, Sindh High Court. Anwar Hussain, Secretary General, NLA, was also present in the presentation ceremony.

Veteran librarian Dr Khurshid Alam honoured

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Veteran librarian Dr Khurshid Alam, having relocated to Canada, was honoured by fellow library professionals on March 21 as he has returned to his home city Karachi for a few months. 

The top functionaries of the Library Promotion Bureau (LPB), Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari, Prof Dr Nasim Fatima, Prof Liaquat Ali Khan, Syed Ahmed Naqvi and Azra Qureshi were present on the occasion alongwith Syed Khalid Mahmood, Advisor, National Library Association (NLA), Younis Hashmi, Information Secretary, NLA, Prof Dr Farhat Hussain Khan, Chairman, Department of Library & Information Science, University of Karachi, and Dr Riffat Parveen Siddiqui, Lecturer, KU.

On this occasion, Azra Qureshi presented a copy of her travelogue titled ‘Barah-e-Safar’ to Dr Khurshid Alam while Prof Dr Ghani-ul-Akram Sabzwari gifted copies of his book ‘Quest of Survival’ to Younis Hashmi and Syed Khalid Mahmood. Both these books were published by the LPB in 2021.

NLA to celebrate IWD, WBCD

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Fresh from having organized the successful seminar ‘Books are forever’ at the University of Karachi’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18, the National Library Association (NLA) has announced to hold programmes to celebrate the International Women’s Day as well as the World Book and Copyright Day during the next couple of months. 

“We have decided in principle to commemorate both the occasions as they are vitally important to us. We will be holding the International Women’s Day programme during the month of March while the World Book and Copyright Day will be celebrated in April. We are working out the details which will be announced soon,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, informed PNFS on February 28. 

 “The International Women’s Day relates to us because lots of library professionals working around the country at different locations are females and we need to celebrate the day dedicated to them in a befitting manner,” he remarked.

“The ladies are holding key positions at the NLA too. Munazza Abidi (Senior Vice President), Farheen Mahmood (Vice President), Hira Yaseen (Joint Secretary) and Mariym Muhammad Ismail (Associate Secretary) are among our office-bearers,” Muzaffar Ali Shah pointed out. 

“Our spirits at the NLA are very high as we have been recognized for doing successful events for the promotion of book and library culture. We have sustained the momentum by convening regular meetings and our top officials continue touching base on daily basis to take care of the works in pipeline,” added.

The NLA has been on a high during the last few months in particular and its successful events seems to have energized the working librarians of Pakistan, who were looking forward to such a platform to let them serve the society more effectively and let their work be known. Their participation in the last edition of the Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF) and their recently organized seminar 'Books are Forever' at the University of Karachi have caught the imagination of the library professionals.

Author Asma Hassan advises youngsters to read books

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Speaking at the seminar ‘Books are forever’ which was jointly organized by Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) of University of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and National Library Association (NLA) at the University’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18, Asma Hassan, the author of famed book Mayar-e-Zindagi, advised the young generation to devote more time in reading general books besides their textbooks. Following is the text of her speech: 

“Our relationship with books can never be broken whether they are in conventional printed form or in the digital format. It has been observed that the young generation of today spends hours after hours every day using social platforms like Facebook, Youtube and Instagram but it finds reading just a couple of pages of a book very challenging because they consider books as boring whereas Tik Tok videos are focus of their attention.” 

“Personally I am not a critic of these activities but I only wish that social media should purely be considered as a source of entertainment so that maximum time could be utilized in doing productive work.” 

“The practice of reading non-textbooks or reference books seems on the verge of extinction. We only read that much which could let us pass the exam or let us secure the required marks to appear on merit list. I firmly believe that book reading is essential for mental development. It enables us to think from different angles and our thought-process improves.” 

“Now it’s the time that we should get rid of the illusion that life could be led without reading books. If we don’t engage into reading books and we don’t strengthen our relationship with books we will be rolled over in the time to come.” 

“We need to promote book reading culture for the sake of our society. We need to do it for making progress in life. The thinking of people would change and their lives will become more purposeful if they could read more books. We should mobilize all our resources to guide our youngsters in particular to let them adopt the right course for a better future for themselves.” 

“We, the writers, also have a responsibility to shoulder. We need to produce the kind of stuff which appeals to the young guns, motivates them and urges them to do better. We, through our write-ups, have to give them solutions to the many probing questions they have in their minds.” 

“I am fully convinced that when compelling content will be produced and motivational books will be published in good numbers, more and more youngsters will start reading such books and they will learn a lot to bring about improvement in their life.” 

“My request to the students of the Library & Information Science department is to read more and more books themselves to be able to serve organizations much more effectively as professional librarians in their careers.” 

“The University of Karachi is a great institution and its students are extremely fortunate to be blessed with such a proactive faculty at their department which augurs well for the future. The National Library Association (NLA) has been doing a fabulous job and they have made their presence felt in a short span of time. They appear on course of achieving higher glories. Rotary International, we all know, is a leading international voluntary service organization with its chapters serving the humanity all over the world, including Pakistan.”

“It’s real very heartening to find three wonderful entities joining hands for the promotion of book culture in the country. Joint efforts are indeed more likely to yield results as the resources are pooled and bigger events become possible. I congratulate all of you for organizing such a successful and memorable seminar. Long Live Books, Long Live Pakistan!”

Rotary renews pledge to support books

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

While emphasizing on the importance of reading, the top officials of Rotary International renewed the pledge of the leading voluntary organization of the world to continue supporting the cause of books besides concentrating on other areas of community services. 

Rotary International’s District Governor for Pakistan, Dr Aftab Imam, and Jahangir Moghul, who is the Assistant Regional Public Image Coordinator of Rotary International’s Zone 1-B, addressed the during the seminar ‘Books are forever’ which was jointly organized by the Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) of University of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and National Library Association (NLA) at the University’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18.

“It has been established that the progress made in the East and the West has been mainly possible because of their education system and their reading habits. Look towards Japan and China in the East or Europe and North America in the West they have grown phenomenally on the basis of education and books,” Dr Aftab Imam reckoned.

“If we also desire to progress then we must also pay full attention to education. We have to encourage our youngsters to read more books to gain knowledge and expertise. There should be more such activities to motivate and groom them,” he advised.

“Rotary Clubs have a history of supporting books and library related projects and our club, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan is among the front-runners in promoting such activities in Pakistan. We are alive to the situation that we need more books and more libraries in order to grow and progress,” Jahangir Moghul, the club’s Charter President, observed in his speech.

“As Rotarians our motto is Service Above Self and we pride ourselves in doing projects to serve the humanity. Many of you would have heard about Rotary. All you need is just to google the word Rotary and you will get to know a lot of interesting things. We play a proactive role in eliminating illiteracy from the society and books are the tools that help us achieve our goals,” he pointed out. 

“Let’s not forget that there are innumerable benefits of reading books. The younger generation needs to be more active in reading because this is the time where you can grow faster by acquiring more knowledge to beat the stiff competition which you encounter in different fields,” Jahangir Moghul reminded. 

“Let me urge you to enlist book reading among your top priorities. Trust me you never be disappointed or depressed by odd failures if you continue reading motivational books which given you courage and strength to continue working hard which is the key to success,” he concluded. 

The seminar was conducted by Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan, while the vote of thanks was proposed by the club's Past President, Engr Asim Murtaza Khan.

Seminar highlights virtues of books

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The seminar ‘Books are forever’ which was jointly organized by the Department of Library & Information Science (DLIS) of University of Karachi, Rotary Club of Karachi Darakhshan (RCKD) and National Library Association (NLA) at the University’s Faculty of Arts Auditorium on February 18 highlighted virtues of book reading. 

Every speaker unanimously agreed that books held the key to success at all levels and in all spheres of life. They shared their experiences and motivated the students to devote more time to reading books in order to succeed and flourish. 

Prof Dr Faiyaz Vaid, Dean Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Karachi, was the keynote speaker while Prof Dr Nigar Sajjad, former chairperson, Department of Islamic History, University of Karachi, delivered the Presidential address 

The other speakers were Dr Aftab Imam, District Governor, Rotary International, Prof Dr Farhat Hussain Khan, Chairperson, DLIS, Jahangir Moghul, Charter President, RCKD, Asma Hassan, author of Mayar-e-Zindagi,  Muhammad Ibrahim, Member, Executive Committee, NLA, and Qazi Rasheed Bhatti, an entrepreneur and social worker. 

The NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, made a few important announcements while Engr Asim Murtaza Khan, Past President, RCKD, proposed the vote of thanks. Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, RCKD, and Advisor, NLA, conducted the ceremony alongwith Hira Yaseen, Joint Secretary, NLA. 

Famous book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ authored by Asma Hassan was presented to all the dignitaries, alongwith shields and bouquets. The registration had started at 9 am while the meeting got underway at around the designated time of 10 am and concluded at 12 30 pm. Strict discipline was maintained throughout the two and a half hours sessions and the auditorium was packed to capacity with the students of DLIS turning up in large numbers.

NLA, Delhi College explore conducting library courses

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top officials of the National Library Association (NLA) and the Delhi Anglo Arabic College Old Boys Association (DAACOBA), during their meeting on February 15, discussed the possibilities of launching library courses for the college students. 

The NLA was represented by its President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, in the meeting with the DAACOBA Senior Vice President, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Honorary Secretary, Dr Qazi Muhammad Wasiq. 

The NLA President will soon be submitting the details of curriculum of certificate and diploma courses for evaluation and further action to be taken by the Executive Committee of the DAACOBA in their next quarterly meeting expected to be held next month. 

“Ideally we will desire the courses to commence from the next academic session which may start at colleges by August or September. We have done the spadework for both these courses which were greatly appreciated by our Founder Advsior, Prof Anwar Ahmad Zai,” Muzaffar Ali Shah disclosed. 

“The DAACOBA is always open to implementing ideas which empower and enable the youth of our society. The proposed library courses can indeed be of immense value to the youngsters who will stand a better chance of getting employment at the various libraries after undertaking them,” Dr Qazi Wasiq reckoned.

NLA cherish its JS on promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top functionaries of the National Library Association (NLA) have warmly congratulated one of their fellow office-bearers, Hira Yaseeen, on her promotion as senior college librarian. 

Hira Yaseen, Joint Secretary, NLA, has been promoted to BPS-18 and the notification in this regard was issued by the Sindh government authorities on February 10. 

“It’s a moment to celebrate for us as one of our very active members has earned a well-deserved promotion in government service,” the NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, observed.

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and the Association’s Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, in separate messages, have also greeted their Joint Secretary for moving up the ladder in her professional career.

“Hira has been one of the most proactive members of the NLA since its early days. It’s really gladdening to learn about her promotion in government service which should motivate her further to accomplish higher goals,” the NLA Advisor remarked. 

“All of us at NLA feel proud at the promotion of Hira and we wish her the very best of luck in future as well,” the NLA Secretary stated.

Having done masters in Library & Information science from the University of Karachi, Hira has been working as librarian at the Government Degree Science & Commerce College located in Block 16 of Karachi’s Federal-B-Area.

NLA appreciates ICMA initiatives

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has appreciated the initiatives of the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMA) towards the development of library culture. 

“It’s really gladdening to find the ICMA housing a library at every campus for facilitating its students. We are impressed by their efforts of running a neat and clean library where seating facilities are available for lots of people,” Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, President, NLA, observed after visiting the ICMA North Nazimabad campus in Karachi on February 9. 

The NLA President was accompanied by their Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, who were also impressed by the congenial environment at the library where good number of students were engaged in reading books. 

“The ICMA is known and respected for its professional work in the financial sector. It’s fascinating to watch them attaching due importance to libraries and encouraging the students to avail the facilities,” the NLA Secretary complimented. 

Upon arrival, the three-member NLA delegation was received by the ICMA Librarian, Zahid Hussain, who briefed them about the services being provided to the users. He also escorted them to different parts of the campus.

Promotions of college librarians notified

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The National Library Association (NLA) has once again warmly congratulated the librarians, having been promoted to Grade-19 from Grade-18, whose notification was issued by the Government of Sindh on January 19. 

The top office-bearers of the NLA, Syed Khalid Mahmood (Advisor), Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah (President) and Anwar Hussain (Secretary General), through a statement later the same evening, extended their best wishes to the newly promoted librarians. 

Muhammad Tariq, Bashir Ahmed Shahani, Aijaz Shaikh, Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Ghulam Murtaza Pirzada, Munir Ahmed Memon, Manoo Mal, Abdul Malik Abbasi, Muhammad Islam Shah, Muhammad Ghulam Hussain, Abdullah Brohi, Allah Wasayo Dayo, Muhammad Mansub, Zulfiqar Ali Channa, Haji Khan Maitlo and Mahmood Sultan are the male librarians to have been promoted into BS-19. 

Bushra Roohi, Farhana Parveen, Shabana Solangi, Raeesa Arif, Sadia Sultana, Shaheen Aziz, Shazia Qadir, Badshah Zaidi, Shama Bano, Naseem Begum, Shabana Memon, Mahrukh Baloch and Rani Baloch are the female librarians whose promotion has been notified into BS-19. 

It may be recalled that the NLA, with the collaboration of the Sindh College Libraries Association (SCLA), had organized a function in the honour of the above promoted librarians during the recently held Karachi International Book Fair (KIBF).

Author Asma Hassan to speak in KU seminar

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Asma Hassan, one of the most promising young authors, who debuted with popular Urdu Book ‘Mayar-e-Zindagi’ in 2020, has been unanimously approved as a speaker in the seminar titled ‘Books are Forever’ which is being organized by the National Library Association (NLA), with the collaboration of the University of Karachi’s Library & Information Science department next month. 

The seminar’s organizing committee, which met at the university campus on January 17, also approved the keynote speaker as well as other speakers for the event which is scheduled to be held at the auditorium of the University of Karachi, which has a seating capacity for more than 400 persons. 

Besides author Asma Hassan, regarded as the voice of the young generation, the list of speakers in the seminar includes professors of Library & Informational Science, working librarians, social reformers and journalists. They will enlighten the audience by sharing their views and thoughts on the subject.

Union Councils undertake library drive

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

In accordance with the guidelines of the Government of Sindh, the Union Councils in Karachi have undertaken the arduous task of developing new libraries besides renovating the old ones which had become dormant over the years. 

Agha Sameer Khan Durrani, Administrator, Union Committees, Gulberg Town, District Central, has set the ball rolling by not only allocating a premises for library but he got it ready in a matter of just one week and all seemed set to have it ready for opening in the coming week. 

The three-member delegation of the National Library Association (NLA), comprising of its Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, and Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, confessed having been taken by surprise they visited the office of the Union Council-30 Yaseenabad, located in Block 15 of Federal-B-Area, on January 17.

“We had visited this place exactly a week ago on January 10, upon the invitation of the UC officials to discuss the idea of setting up a library in the available space. Just in a matter of one week they have got the premises whitewashed coupled with installation of new fans and tube lights. It’s incredible to say the least,” the NLA officials complimented. 

Agha Sameer Durrani informed that the furniture for the library had already been ordered and the books will be ready to be shelved within the next few days. He also agreed to the NLA suggestion of having a qualified librarian posted to do the job. 

The NLA delegation reassured its support and technical assistance to the Union Council in their endeavours to run the library, equipped with all basic facilities. They were optimistic that Union Councils in various districts of Karachi and other parts of the province will also follow the guidelines of the Government of Sindh to have more libraries. 

Meanwhile the NLA office-bearers presented a copy of famous author Asma Hassan’s Mayar-e-Zindagi to Agha Sameer Durrani, who is a passionate lover of books and libraries. Glancing through the book, he declared that the contents looked impressive and he will like to read it fully as soon as possible.

NLA hail its EC member on Grade-20 promotion

 By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The top leadership of the National Library Association (NLA) has greeted one of their Executive Committee members, Muhammad Ibrahim, working at the High Court of Sindh, Karachi, on his recent promotion to Grade-20.

“It’s a matter of pride for the librarians’ community in general and the NLA in particular that one of our colleagues has earned a thoroughly deserved promotion in government service,” the NLA President, Syed Muzaffar Ali Shah, remarked. 

The NLA Advisor, Syed Khalid Mahmood, and the Association’s Secretary General, Anwar Hussain, have also extended their greetings and good wishes to the recently promoted librarian into Grade-20. 

The 56-year old Ibrahim, who has been associated with the NLA since its inception in 2017, had done Masters in Library & Information Science (MLIS), from the University of Karachi. He is credited to compiled as many as 15 books on the subject of law.