SUKKUR: The Sukkur Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned the Director General (DG) of Libraries to appear on Dec 22 in a petition seeking the restoration of public sector libraries.

A division bench, comprising Justice Zulfiqar Ali Sangi and Justice Abdul Hamid Bhurgri, expressed strong dissatisfaction with the performance of government departments and declared the reports submitted by the deputy commissioners of Sukkur, Ghotki, Naushahro Feroze and Khairpur regarding libraries as “unserious.”

On reviewing the reports, the court noted that the process of restoring libraries was being handled superficially, despite issues remaining unresolved for nearly a decade.

There is a severe lack of basic facilities, including solar systems, computers, internet access and books in the public libraries of Sindh, Justice Sangi remarked, adding that the condition of libraries in rural and backward areas is deplorable, reflecting clear government negligence.

Expresses dissatisfaction with govt departments’ performance

The court directed the deputy commissioners to submit a detailed, tal­uka-wise and item-wise report for every library in tabular form at the next hearing.

The report must provide clear information regarding existing facilities, deficiencies, the number of appointed staff, working hours and administrative control.

Furthermore, the court ordered that coloured photographs of the previous and current conditions be included.

The DG Libraries was directed to appear in person, and a comprehensive report on the budget and funds was also sought from the Finance Secretary, the court order stated.

The bench warned that contempt of court proceedings would follow in case of non-compliance.

During the hearing of constitutional petitions for the restoration, improvement and activation of government libraries, the court issued clear instructions while expressing intense anger over the performance of government departments.

It noted that despite the petition being filed in 2023, the relevant departments had failed to take result-oriented steps.

Emphasising the importance of libraries, the court stated that public libraries are a vital source for learning, research, creative thinking and equal access to knowledge.

The court praised the establishment of a separate Directorate of Libraries under the Local Government Department on 20 September 2024, insisting on its effective implementation.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2025