Ceremony held: Work set to commence on new British Council library

Minister says government has prioritised provision of quality education.


Press Release November 16, 2014

LAHORE: The British Council on Sunday organised the foundation stone laying ceremony for the reconstruction of a library on its premises.

Excise and Taxation Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman and British Council Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Martin Davidson laid the two foundation stones. The initiative has been taken to revolutionise conventional operations of libraries across Pakistan by bringing together the best of the United Kingdom’s culture and knowledge under one roof. The library’s resources will also be accessible remotely. This would augment its reach and promote creative coalescence, artistic reflection and expression. The initiative aims to provide enterprising minds with a platform to interact and provide creative solutions to the challenges confronting society. The library has been designed to exhibit art and design in a befitting manner to reflect the rich heritage and culture of Pakistan.



The council aims to perpetuate the tradition of complementing the sourcing of quality British literature and resources with state-of-the-art technology. The library will also facilitate cultural expression and endeavour to cultivate the next generation of leaders in Pakistan.

Rehman said the government had prioritised the provision of quality education. He stressed the need for cultivating the next generation of leaders of Pakistan. Davidson reiterated the council’s commitment to enriching the lives of those it served. He said the initiative symbolised the efforts of Pakistanis to enrich their lives and culture despite the challenges confronting them.

British Council Country Director Peter Upton said the library was intended to become a haven for the youth of Pakistan. He said this would enable them to grow intellectually and promote the exchange of ideas, debate and entrepreneurial spirit. Upton said the nation’s youth was its greatest asset and they should be provided every opportunity to develop. He said the initiative was holistic in nature as the library would collaborate to implement latest developments and cutting-edge ideas.

Work on the library is expected to finish in 2015. The council aims to replicate the endeavour in Islamabad and Karachi. Several policy experts and dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17th, 2014.

 

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