A Library That Can Shock!

This is the only library in Union Council Bonistan of District Panjgur that is starting to resemble a ruined building. Neither any staff or administrator have been appointed nor are there any books or any other equipment.

“ Due to a dysfunctional library, I could not get access to books needed to further excel in my studies and thus had to quit higher studies”,  graduate student Sajid Rahim told Pak Voices.

There are total 11 libraries in District Panjgur, which includes both public and private libraries. In these libraries, various literary functions are carried out. But the library in UC Bonistan tells a different story.

According to Chairman UC Bonistan Mohammad Umar, the library had been neglected by the government authorities since the day it was constructed.

“Now keeping the needs of the people of the area in view a tender has been passed to make a new library”, he said.

Mphil scholar Zahid Saeed tells how much the local people were excited when the government decided to build a new library. “When this library was under construction, all the people of the area were really excited. Unfortunately, it could not become viable after construction,” he told Pak Voices.

According to social activist Nazir Ahmed since the construction of the library in 2008, neither any books were bought nor any tables or chairs were provided for the library.

“ The library has been totally abandoned, even its window panes and doors have been taken out. It has become unrecognizable whether it’s a library or not. There is no other library in the area”, he said.

“These libraries get funds from the government in the name of development, but unfortunately instead of using them for the useful purpose they are embezzled,” Nazir Ahmed alleged.

About Author: Atta Mehar is working with PakVoices as a citizen journalist from Punjgur.