It has been more than two decades since the British Council library closed down in Peshawar
PESHAWAR: This is apropos a news report regarding the reopening of the British Council library in Lahore, which was televised by a private channel. It was heartening to learn of the news because Lahoris can now benefit from the library. Back in the day, British Council libraries used to be well stocked. I, too, derived vicarious pleasure from the news on account of the good fortune of those who can now visit the library, and also because it has been more than two decades since the British Council library closed down in Peshawar where I live.
There are no signs that the British Council library in Peshawar might restart its operations in the near future but the opening of the library in Lahore provides a ray of hope. Perhaps, the quarters concerned in the British Council may consider following suit by reopening the British Council library in Peshawar — something which would be immensely welcomed. Incidentally, the building that housed the library in Peshawar has once again fallen vacant after remaining under use in the interim. This might be coincidental but the vacancy of the building and the reopening of the library in Lahore hold a sign about the need for doing the same in Peshawar. I request the British Council authorities to consider the reopening of the library in Peshawar.
B K Sarai
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2016.
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