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LODHRAN, Nov 17, 2009: A seminar on "Libraries for empowering youth" held by OPI at Allama Iqbal Municipal Library here. The purpose of the seminar was to build pressure on the local government to restore the library. The event was chaired by Mr. Tariq Mehmood (Tehsil Officer Finance) while Mr. Muhammad Hashim (Honorary Librarian) and Abdul Majeed Nashad (Ex. President Press Club Lodhran) were guests of honor.

Speaking to the seminar, Mr. Tariq Mehmood admitted the importance of a library for empowering youth and achieving the goal of sustainable development in the society. He said, soon the local government will take initiative for restoration of Allama Iqbal Municipal Library and he will deliver the message of the citizens to responsible authorities. He said that the libraries always play vital role in the development of nations and Allama Iqbal Municipal Library should not be ignored.

Mr. Muhammad Hashim said that he has always tried to maintain the records and assets of the library however it was very difficult for him. He said that a number of departments have been trying to capture the building of the library yet failed due to citizens' reactions. He told that the library was converted into ladies club by one of ex-DCOs with a so-called NGO's efforts while original building of ladies club is still being used a an office of a union council. He said that police department, public safety commission, union council and revenue department have used the building while the library remained closed soon after the devolution till date. He said that OPI has took a great initiative to secure the library and to restore it.

Mr. Abdul Majeed Nashad also appreciated OPI's initiative and said that Allama Iqbal Municipal Library was the only center of learning in the district which was suspended by local government due to negligence and lack of commitment. He said that the library can play very important role in the development of District Lodhran where literacy rate is already second lowest among other districts of the province. He said that the government should provide maximum learning opportunities to the people of District Lodhran in order to cover the gaps in literacy and skills.

Speaking to the seminar, Mr. Gulfam Mustafa (Executive Director of OPI) said that OPI will continue its struggle until the restoration of the library. He said that the library is a fundamental rights of the citizens and government cannot suspend such a useful facility.

Mr. Muhammad Tufail Thakar (Advocate), Mr. Naveed Siddiqui (Teacher and Writer), Rao Muhammad Rafique (Columnist), Mirza Saleem Akhtar (Social Worker) and Mr. Waris Ali (Social Worker and Teacher) also spoke to the seminar and elaborated the need of a library in the district and its importance for empowering youth.

The seminar was supported by 126 participants including civil society activists, literature-loving personalities, civil society activists, students, journalists and ordinary citizens. The activity was co-sponsored by Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO) Multan.