ON paper, the Turbat library is as good as any in Karachi or Islamabad but this is not true. Several students in the area need to use the library’s resources but, unfortunately, there is nothing inside. The building itself is quite beautiful but on the inside there is nothing.

There are no books, no electricity, clean drinking water or even proper toilets.

What use is a public library if it has no books?

I have heard of many young people organising book drives in their neighbourhood to gather books for the library. I think this is a noble step and we should help them achieve their goal.

I would like to thank the government of Balochistan for providing us with this space to study and learn but I request them to also provide us with books and other basic facilities.

Hamid Aziz

Turbat

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2019