Islamabad, the 14th July, 2026; The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage & Culture Division, in a meeting chaired by Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, MNA/Chairperson, expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the National Library of Pakistan and directed the Ministry to undertake immediate administrative measures to improve its facilities, management, and public services. 

 

The Committee also emphasized the need to strengthen Pakistan's cultural institutions, accelerate the digitization of the country's literary heritage, and promote the rich cultural traditions of all regions, particularly South Punjab and Saraiki heritage.

Reviewing the implementation status of its previous recommendations, the Committee was informed that significant progress had been made in updating the Ministry's rules, regulations, and legislative framework, with several rules already approved while the remaining proposals were under consideration by the National Assembly.

 

During a comprehensive briefing on the National Library of Pakistan, the Committee acknowledged the Ministry's efforts to modernize library services through digitization despite financial constraints. 

 

Members expressed dissatisfaction over the poor maintenance of the Library, including unhygienic facilities, inadequate internet connectivity, non-functional infrastructure, and the lack of effective administrative oversight. 

 

The Committee directed the Ministry to address these deficiencies on a priority basis and submit a detailed report on visitor statistics, staffing, vacant positions, membership, and internally generated revenue at its next meeting.

 

The Committee appreciated the National Library's role in preserving Pakistan's literary heritage through the conservation of rare manuscripts, legal deposit functions, ISBN registration, and digitization initiatives. It stressed the need to accelerate the digitization of rare publications and improve public access to knowledge resources by strengthening research facilities and expanding outreach programmes.

 

The Committee also received a detailed presentation on the representation of Saraiki and South Punjab's cultural heritage at the National Heritage Museum. Appreciating the Museum's efforts to preserve Pakistan's diverse cultural identity, the Committee recommended enhanced cultural exhibitions, stronger collaboration among cultural institutions, and increased opportunities for artisans, craftsmen, and young people to showcase and preserve the country's traditional heritage.

 

The Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) also briefed the Committee on its ongoing programmes in music, theatre, fine arts, cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions, and youth development. While appreciating PNCA's contribution to promoting arts and culture, the Committee emphasized the importance of expanding opportunities for emerging artists and ensuring greater public participation in cultural activities.

 

The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cultural institutions, safeguarding Pakistan's literary and cultural heritage, and improving public access to educational and cultural resources through effective governance, institutional reforms, and efficient resource management.

 

The meeting was attended by MNAs Ms. Shaista Khan, Ms. Shanaz Saleem Malik, Ms. Rabia Naseem Farooqi, Ms. Samar Haroon Bilour, Ms. Saeeda Jamshid, Ms. Ghazala Anjum, Ms. Saira Afzal Tarar, Ms. Naima Kanwal, Mr. Sanjay Perwani, Ms. Naeema Kishwer Khan and Mr. Muhammad Tufail, along with Secretary and senior officers of Culture and Heritage Division.