Multan's historic Municipal Public Library has been restored and enhanced with a modern library café, forming a bustling public venue for reading, history and social interaction.
The opening was attended by Member of the Provincial Assembly Salman Naeem, Commissioner of Multan Aamir Kareem Khan, Director General of the Walled City Authority Najam-ul-Saqib, industrialist Khawaja Jawed, as well as notable writers, scholars and local dignitaries.
During his remarks, MPA Salman Naeem praised the commissioner's vision, saying the combined library and café will give locals and tourists a distinct glimpse into Multan's cultural identity while keeping the building's original architecture intact.
Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan explained the project began while reviewing restoration work at Qasim Fort, stressing that reviving historic sites and encouraging a reading culture among youth are key goals.
He added that further leisure facilities, such as a food court and a craft bazaar, are also being planned for the complex.
To aid academic studies, the commissioner unveiled a special area for competitive-exam candidates stocked with about 700 books, more than 200 of which have already been donated by philanthropists. A digital catalogue is in the works, and officials are looking at possible discounts for scholars and writers.
Industrialist Khawaja Jawed applauded the preservation work for retaining the building's authentic character, emphasizing that protecting heritage is essential to safeguarding the city's historical soul.
At the ceremony, prominent writers and scholars added to the library's holdings by donating books personally.
