Sindh, one of Pakistan’s most historically rich and diverse provinces, faces a silent but deepening crisis: the lack of public libraries in cities beyond Hyderabad, Karachi and Larkana. While these three urban centres have managed to retain a few operational libraries, the rest of Sindh remains largely deprived of this essential educational infrastructure. In cities like Sukkur, Khairpur, Dadu, Umarkot, Badin, Mithi, Nawabshah, Jacobabad, Shikarpur and other cities, there is either no public library at all, or the existing ones are neglected, underfunded, and underutilised.
This creates a serious educational divide between urban and rural youth, one that directly impacts literacy, career growth and community development. A public library is more than a place to read books. It is a community hub where people of all ages, especially youth, can access free learning materials and resources from the internet, study in peace, prepare for entrance and civil service exams, attend educational workshops and seminars and engage with a reading culture and develop critical thinking skills.
In today’s digital age, where many rural students lack devices or reliable internet connections, libraries offer equitable access to information. The imbalance of resources present in rural and urban areas is especially harmful in regions where education systems are already strained. Without libraries, students rely solely on under-resourced schools, often with outdated textbooks and minimal extracurricular support.
The Government of Sindh, along with local authorities and civil society organisations, must urgently address this gap. A province as vast and diverse as Sindh needs a network of modern, accessible libraries not just in big cities, but in every district and taluka. Recommended steps include building new libraries in underdeveloped districts, revitalising and funding existing library buildings, hiring trained librarians and IT staff, introducing mobile library vans for remote areas and integrating digital learning centres within libraries. In a province where youth make up a significant portion of the population, public libraries can play a transformative role in shaping informed, skilled, and responsible citizens.
Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
Umarkot
