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ISLAMABAD, Jan 29 (APP):The revival and reorganization of the Pakistan Library Association (PLA), alongside the launch of a new digital platform for library professionals, was announced on Thursday as Director General, Department of Libraries, Islamabad, Sheikh Muhammad Arshad said that a formal committee would soon be constituted to restructure the Association and ensure the holding of long-overdue elections at the earliest.
He announced while addressing a ceremony organized under the auspices of the Islamic Library and Information Science Alumni Association (ILISAA), Federal Chapter.
The announcement was warmly welcomed by library professionals from across the country, who termed it a timely and positive step and expressed hope that it would help unite librarians nationwide under a democratic and representative platform, said a press release here.
The ceremony also featured the launching of the official website of ILISAA, along with the book launching ceremony of renowned researcher Iqrar Hussain Sheikh’s newly published work, “Allah Main Hazir Hoon.” The event was held at the Pakistan Academy of Letters, Islamabad.
Dr. Shahid Soroya, Director General, Pakistan Institute of Education, attended the ceremony as Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the Alumni Association’s website. Zahoor Ahmed briefed the audience on the website’s key features, stating that the platform would serve as a hub for professional connectivity, academic collaboration and information sharing among library professionals across Pakistan.
During the book launch session, distinguished speakers discussed various aspects of “Allah Main Hazir Hoon,” highlighting the intellectual depth of the work and appreciating the author’s scholarly and reflective approach.
A condolence reference was also held toward the conclusion of the ceremony for Mashood Hussain, Librarian at PIMS Islamabad and son of former Garden College Librarian Fayaz Bukhari, as well as for the late father of Chief Guest Dr. Shahid Soroya.
In his presidential address, Dr. Shahid Soroya, in his characteristic warm and engaging style, emphasized the importance of professional unity, academic development and digital platforms in strengthening library and information sciences in Pakistan.
At the end of the ceremony, Khurram Shahzad, President of the Islamic Library and Information Science Alumni Association, extended a vote of thanks to all guests and participants.
The event was attended by Kazim Ali Syed, Additional Director, Allama Iqbal Open University; Raja Javed Iqbal, former Director General, National Library of Pakistan; senior librarians, researchers, academicians and a large number of library and information professionals from across the country.