THIS is with reference to the letter 'Sukkur library sold to builder' by Raheed Mirani (July 25). I was really saddened to learn that the Mir Masoom Shah Library of Sukkur has been sold to builders to construct residential and commercial flats on the site.

The above-referred library is a very old one and is the only facility in Sukkur where people of all walks of life come to quench their thirst for knowledge. Besides this, the library has been providing a good platform to all those poor but studious people who go there for the preparation of their competitive examinations such as CSS, PCS, etc.

The Mir Masoom Shah Library has produced many brilliant officers who used to go there for their studies. Shakeel Ahmed Mangnejo (DMG), Munir Shaikh (PSP), Yakoob Mako (Customs), Ghulam Mustafa Samo (Audit & Accounts), Hanif Shaikh (Income Tax), Abdul Hafeez Shaikh (Audit & Accounts), Kashif Gulzar Shaikh (OMG) and Shahid Soomro (Income Tax) are some of the names worth mentioning in this regard.

The sale of the library to builders for commercial purposes is beyond my comprehension.

This clearly shows the apathy of the local administration towards this important and vital component of social development. Since I too belong to Sukkur and have used the library for the preparation of my competitive examinations (CSS and PCS), I can easily feel the sadness of other students on the decision of the local administration to sell the library.

It is my humble request to the government of Sindh that the local administration of Sukkur should be prohibited from allowing the builders to use the building of the Mir Masoom Shah Library for commercial purposes.

ABDUL SAMAD SAMO
Karachi