KARACHI, 21 JULY (DNA) – The British Council in Pakistan on Thursday launched its library in Karachi after a period of 14 years. The launch ceremony was held at the British Council Library which was attended by Governor of Sindh Dr Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan, Minister Cultural Department Sharmila Farooqui, British Deputy High Commissioner Belinda Lewis, and Acting Country Director British Council Jim Booth. Other notable dignitaries from the government, arts and media were also present at the launch ceremony.

Welcoming the Guests at the launch, Jim Booth said, “The British Council libraries in Karachi and Lahore will serve as a hub for cultural development, integration and strengthen cultural relationship between the UK and Pakistan. The libraries complement our existing efforts to create educational opportunities, share knowledge and ideas, and cultivate an environment for creativity and learning.”

The British Council in Pakistan aims to rebuild and revolutionize its library offer to provide a 21st- century experience to Pakistanis. In addition to physical walk-in spaces in Lahore and Karachi a vast digital library resource is also available that will bring the very best of UK and Pakistan content to consumers across the country.

The Governor Sindh, Dr. Ishrat Ul Ebad Khan inaugurated the Library and in his closing remarks said “I welcome the British Council’s huge investment in continuing to support the cultural development of Pakistan – and in particular that of the people of Karachi and Sindh.

I welcome the British Council’s commitment towards creating stronger cultural ties with Pakistan through the new libraries in Karachi and Lahore. I have no doubt that, the British Council library will continue to grow in the hearts of the Karachi people and in the soul of the city.”

Minister Cultural Department, Sharmila Farooqui said, “It is just fabulous that the British Council is now giving the people of Karachi a library. The inspiring thing is that this is part of a wider British Council Library programme across South Asia India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.”

The British Deputy High Commissioner, Belinda Lewis said “The new British Council library in Karachi is a really exciting resource and I’ve already signed up to be a member. I’m a huge fan of libraries but I’m old fashioned, the digital offerings here look fantastic but you’ll find me surrounded by books!”

The reopening of the British Council library will provide a cultural space for the youth of Pakistan to connect, create and innovate said Maarya Rehman, Director Libraries at the British Council. She further added “The British Council libraries also aim to provide technical support to provincial governments in Pakistan regarding their digital library ambitions.”

The British Council in Pakistan has a diverse education, arts and society portfolio, creating linkages between Pakistan and the UK to build the capacity of teachers, students, institutions and young people across Pakistan. DNA

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