Punjab Assembly plans digital library overhaul
Punjab Assembly Acting Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channer has pledged to provide all assembly members with reliable, timely, and comprehensive library services to enhance the quality of legislation through informed decision-making.
He made the commitment while chairing a meeting of the Punjab Assembly Library Committee held in the committee room of the Assembly.
The session focused on modernizing the existing library, promoting research and study, and integrating digital resources to support legislative work.
"The Punjab Assembly Library is not just a repository of booksit is a treasure of knowledge and wisdom," said Acting Speaker Channer.
He emphasised that limited resources would not be allowed to impede the modernization process and announced that the library's performance will now be reviewed on a monthly basis.
Committee members welcomed the Acting Speaker's vision and shared suggestions for improvement. MPA Sardar Muhammad Ali stated that introducing a modern library system would significantly improve the quality of legislative output.
MPA Amina Sheikh called for the transformation of the library into a digital research centre, terming it the need of the hour for effective legislative work.
MPA Sardar Owais Ahmad Dreshak stressed the importance of creating a research-friendly environment, including high-speed internet, a mobile application, and capacity-building initiatives for library staff.
He said these steps would make the library a dynamic platform for research and lawmaking.
The meeting also covered issues related to library management, availability of books and journals, staff training, and development of an electronic database for streamlined access to information.
The session was attended by Chairman of the Privileges Committee Sami Ullah Khan, MPAs Ghulam Raza Rabaira and Sardar Owais Ahmad Dreshak, Secretary of the Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Aamir Habib, Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Khalid Mehmood, Librarian Fakhira Parveen, and other relevant officials.
MPAs Sardar Muhammad Ali and Amina Sheikh participated via video link.
The committee resolved to work collectively toward turning the Assembly library into a modern, accessible research facility that supports and enhances the legislative process.