librarians day observed

Librarians’ Day observed at UoG’s Quaid-e-Azam Central Library

ByJustpaste.in

GUJRAT: Librarians’ Day was observed at the Quaid-e-Azam Central Library of the University of Gujrat (UoG) with a seminar and panel discussion focusing on the evolving role of libraries, academic research and information professionals in the digital age.

The event was organised to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr S.R. Ranganathan, regarded as the father of library science in South Asia. August 12 is observed as Librarians’ Day in recognition of his contribution to the development of library science and his five laws of library science.

Speaking during the panel discussion, Senior Librarian Rameeza Mushtaq said that a central library was the intellectual hub of any university and that the role of librarians had changed significantly with the expansion of digital resources.

She said modern librarians were no longer limited to maintaining books and records but were increasingly helping students and researchers identify, access and use reliable academic material.

Senior Librarian Liaquat Ali said the growing use of digital media had not reduced the importance of printed books and physical archives. He said libraries continued to provide researchers with access to authentic and preserved sources of knowledge.

Librarian Khadija Munawar highlighted the impact of technology on library services and said librarians had increasingly become information navigators, helping students and researchers locate relevant digital resources in an increasingly complex information environment.

In his presidential address, Chief Librarian A.R. Sheikh said academic libraries played a central role in strengthening research and intellectual development.

“A library is neither a mere structure of bricks and mortar nor a repository of silent shelves; it is the fundamental engine of a nation’s intellectual sovereignty,” he said.

Mr Sheikh said the rapid spread of unverified information through digital platforms had created new challenges for librarians and researchers. He said ensuring access to authentic and credible academic information was now among the key responsibilities of library professionals.

He said the Quaid-e-Azam Central Library was providing students and researchers access to HEC digital resources, international peer-reviewed journals and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC).

The library also has dedicated research facilities for MPhil and PhD scholars and provides services related to academic research and similarity checking, he added.

The speakers stressed the need for universities to further strengthen library infrastructure and equip libraries with modern digital resources to support research and higher education.

The event concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony attended by Chief Librarian A.R. Sheikh and senior members of the library staff.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    PM Shehbaz orders expansion of digital services fo…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to expand digital consular services for overseas Pakistanis, improve facilities at Pakistani missions abroad, simplify the complaints system and speed up the digitization of document attestation and official transactions. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the directives came during a meeting chaired by the prime minister in which officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistani ambassadors serving in various countries, and senior representatives from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Investigation Agency, the Ministry of Information Technology and other relevant departments briefed him on ongoing reform efforts. Shehbaz said overseas Pakistanis represent a valuable asset for the country and that providing them with every possible facility remains a top government priority. Officials told the meeting that a QR code system has already been rolled out to simplify procedures for power of attorney, property transactions and document attestation for Pakistanis living abroad. The prime minister welcomed the initiative and directed authorities to prominently display the QR codes at Pakistani embassies and missions worldwide to improve access to the digital complaints registration system. Shehbaz also instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to launch a dedicated awareness campaign encouraging overseas Pakistanis to use the QR code based system when filing complaints. The meeting was told that the ministry has recently introduced an evening shift at its Islamabad office to make services more accessible to citizens, and that document attestation services have also been launched at the Asaan Khidmat Centre in Islamabad. Officials further reported that the ministry has introduced courier based attestation services and linked its verification system with databases maintained by the Higher Education Commission, the Inter Boards Coordination Commission, the National Database and Registration Authority and the National Police Bureau, a step that has significantly cut processing times. The meeting also heard that the apostille system has reduced document attestation to a single step process. Officials said work is now underway to fully digitize the system, with the National Information Technology Board developing a mobile application that would allow digital verification of documents including birth and death certificates, marriage registration certificates and family registration certificates, among other official records. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the meeting alongside federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Chaudhry Salik Hussain and Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Minister of State Awn Chaudhry, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Bajwa and other senior officials. The push to digitize consular services reflects a broader effort by the government to modernize public sector delivery and reduce bureaucratic delays, an initiative that has gained momentum in recent years as authorities look to integrate various state databases and cut down on the paperwork burden faced by citizens both at home and abroad.

  • | | |

    PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir begin Saudi visit

    ByJustpaste.in

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir will pay an official visit to Saudi Arabia from August 6 to 8 to hold high-level talks aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and discussing key regional developments. According to the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will also join the delegation after completing his visit to Jordan. During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz is scheduled to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions will focus on expanding cooperation between the two countries, enhancing strategic relations and reviewing regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Foreign Office said the visit reflects the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, built on decades of close cooperation, mutual trust and strong brotherly ties. Officials said the high-level engagements are expected to further strengthen political, economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides are also likely to discuss ways to improve coordination on regional security and international affairs. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Gulf region, giving the meetings added diplomatic significance. However, Pakistani officials said the agenda extends beyond the current regional situation and is aimed at reinforcing the long-term strategic partnership between Islamabad and Riyadh. The Foreign Office added that the visit will help deepen bilateral relations, expand cooperation in areas of shared interest and enhance collaboration at multilateral forums. Prime Minister Shehbaz last visited Saudi Arabia in April, where he held meetings with the kingdom’s top leadership to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional developments.

  • | |

    Attack on one is an attack on all’: Ishaq Dar ex…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has highlighted the key provisions of the landmark Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, stressing that any external armed attack on Pakistan, Saudi Arabia or Türkiye will be considered an attack on all three countries. Dar said the agreement, signed in Makkah Mukarramah on 7 August 2026, reflects the depth of the brotherly relations between the three nations and is the culmination of years of consultations and strategic coordination. Under the accord, an external armed attack against any one of the three countries will be considered an attack against all, consistent with the right of individual and collective self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter. The Foreign Minister stressed that the agreement is purely defensive in nature and is not directed against any country. He said the accord is intended to strengthen cooperation in confronting shared peace and security challenges while promoting regional stability and prosperity. Dar also clarified that the Makkah Accord does not replace or abrogate any existing bilateral or multilateral agreements between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, or their agreements with other countries and international organisations. Another significant provision, he said, is that the agreement remains open to other countries in the region willing to uphold its fundamental principles and resolve differences through mutual respect, cooperation and peaceful means. Dar reaffirmed that the agreement is consistent with Pakistan’s foreign policy and said Islamabad would continue working with all brotherly countries towards lasting peace and stability. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and to building a more secure, stable and prosperous future for the peoples of the region.

  • | |

    Sindh to launch EV taxi service in September

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sindh’s Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon chaired a meeting of the Transport and Mass Transit Department, where officials approved the launch of an electric vehicle (EV) taxi service in September and the induction of 50 double-decker buses in October as part of efforts to modernize public transport across the province. According to a spokesperson for the Transport Department, the meeting also decided to introduce 1,000 electric buses in phases by the end of the current year. The initiative aims to expand environmentally friendly public transport and improve commuting facilities for residents. The meeting further approved new routes for the Peoples Bus Service, connecting Larkana to Qambar and Qambar to Shahdadkot, to improve transport links in northern Sindh. Officials briefed the provincial minister on the progress of various transport and mass transit projects during the meeting. Sharjeel Memon directed authorities to complete the construction of all depots for the Red Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project within the scheduled timeline. He also instructed officials to ensure the early operational launch of the new Peoples Bus Service routes between Larkana, Qambar and Shahdadkot. The minister confirmed that the Sindh government’s EV taxi service will begin operations in September. He added that the planned fleet of 1,000 electric buses will be introduced gradually to strengthen the province’s public transport network. He also announced that 50 new double-decker buses are expected to arrive in Karachi in October, providing commuters with improved and modern travel facilities.

  • | | |

    PRL and SSGC face Senate anger over missing inform…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Islamabad: State owned petroleum companies Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) faced serious criticism in the Senate after lawmakers expressed dissatisfaction over missing information, failure to follow committee directions and concerns about company management. The Senate Standing Committee on Petroleum questioned the performance and accountability of government owned petroleum companies and considered taking strict action against officials who failed to cooperate with parliamentary oversight. During the meeting chaired by Senator Umer Farooq, the committee reviewed the appointment criteria for chairpersons and managing directors of petroleum companies, the structure of their boards and progress on previous committee recommendations. The committee took serious notice of the absence of the Managing Director of Pakistan Refinery Limited during the meeting. Members expressed concern that PRL, despite being a state-owned company, did not provide the required information to the committee. The committee considered initiating a privilege motion against the Managing Director of PRL for failing to appear and provide necessary details. The Petroleum Division was directed to submit complete information about the boards of directors and senior management of all government owned petroleum companies. The committee said transparency in leadership appointments and company management is necessary because these organisations deal with matters directly linked to the national economy and public interest. The committee also expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of Sui Southern Gas Company and its failure to implement previous recommendations. Members said SSGC had not provided details of its board of directors despite earlier instructions. The committee also raised concerns over remarks made by SSGC that were considered discouraging toward the Senate Standing Committee’s role in discussing important matters. The committee considered moving a privilege motion against SSGC over non compliance with its directions. The Petroleum Division was further directed to review the tenure of board members who have remained in positions beyond the approved period and submit a detailed report. The committee also raised concerns over the absence of performance audits of oil rigs. Authorities were directed to provide the required audit report within seven days so that the committee could review the performance and efficiency of petroleum sector operations. Members said proper audits are necessary to identify problems, improve production and ensure better use of national resources. The committee also reviewed issues related to LPG quotas and licensing. The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority was directed to hold consultations with all relevant stakeholders and submit a detailed report to the committee. Senators stressed that petroleum companies must improve governance, follow parliamentary instructions and ensure public institutions operate with transparency. The committee said accountability in state owned petroleum companies is essential to protect national interests and improve confidence in the energy sector.

  • | | |

    AJK police allege 8 officers ‘abducted&#8217…

    ByJustpaste.in

    MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) police on Thursday alleged that eight highway police personnel deployed for election duty had been “abducted” by the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), as tensions continue to simmer across the region. Police spokesperson SSP Khawar Ali Shaukat made the allegation during a televised press conference in Rawalakot, claiming that the personnel were being held by members of the group and had been subjected to what he described as “brutal abuse”. According to the spokesperson, the security personnel were attacked while carrying out their election-related duties. He claimed the officials’ families had also been threatened, allegedly being warned that the personnel would be killed if the protesters’ demands were not accepted. “We will not allow pressure to be exerted over the lives of these officials,” Shaukat said, calling for the immediate release of the personnel. He warned that authorities would take action if the officials were harmed, their release was obstructed or their families continued to receive threats. The police spokesperson also rejected the perception that the JAAC was a peaceful movement, alleging that recent incidents showed the group was willing to use violence to challenge the state’s authority and institutions. “The state is not weak,” he said, adding that authorities had exercised restraint despite the escalating tensions. Shaukat also appealed to residents to distance themselves from the group and urged parents to monitor their children, alleging that propaganda was being used to encourage young people to participate in unrest. His remarks came as AJK continues to hold elections in phases amid heightened security concerns. The region has witnessed weeks of demonstrations led by the JAAC, which has been demanding, among other things, the abolition of 12 seats in the local legislature reserved for refugees from Indian-held Kashmir. Tensions escalated on July 28 when clashes were reported between protesters and law enforcement personnel in Rawalakot and Mirpur. The violence reportedly resulted in several casualties and further intensified the political and security situation. The government has also accused elements it describes as militants of exploiting the unrest and pursuing a foreign agenda, alleging Indian financial backing. Those allegations have added another layer to an already tense political environment. Last week, AJK Information Secretary Muhammad Rashid Hanif said seven law enforcement personnel, including police and Rangers officials, had been killed during the recent unrest. Meanwhile, Thursday’s police statement has placed renewed focus on the safety of personnel deployed for election duties. Shaukat called on the JAAC to release the eight officials and warned that any further violence against state employees would trigger a firm response under the law and Constitution. The allegations have not been independently verified, and the JAAC’s response to the police claims was not included in the report.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *