LIAQUAT Memorial Library is one of the largest and oldest libraries of Karachi. It was established in 1950 with the intention of having a national library in the then capital city. It contains more than 250,000 volumes on different subjects and gets as many as 100 newspapers and periodicals. It is visited regularly by a large number of citizens, mostly youth studying in professional institutions and competitive exams.

In 1985, the library’s administration was handed over to the Sindh government’s culture department. It is unfortunate that the present management’s behviour towards visitors is non-cooperative and rude.

The library has a rich collection of books and other reading materials. However, the absence of professional staff is causing damage to its collection of newspaper archives. Thus the 65 plus years old library is being systematically destroyed.

The visitors to the library request the chief minister to ensure this public institution retains its glory and relevance.

Zahid Ishaque Soomro

Karachi

Published in Dawn, October 24th, 2018

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