Multan’s historic Municipal Public Library has been restored and inaugurated alongside a modern library café, giving residents a renewed space for reading, research and cultural activities.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Member of the Punjab Assembly Salman Naeem, Multan Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan, Walled City Authority Director General Najam-ul-Saqib, industrialist Khawaja Jawad, and local writers and academics, according to a report published by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP).
Speaking at the event, Salman Naeem praised the restoration work and said the library and café would help residents and visitors connect with Multan’s cultural heritage while retaining the building’s original architectural character.
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Commissioner Aamir Kareem Khan said the library project took shape during a review of restoration work at Qila Kohna Qasim Bagh, where authorities have been working to revive historic sites and develop public facilities.
He announced plans for a dedicated section for candidates preparing for competitive examinations. The proposed section is expected to contain around 700 books, with more than 200 already donated by philanthropists.
Officials are also developing a digital catalogue to make the library’s collection easier to access. The administration is considering special concessions for scholars and writers, although details of any eligibility criteria or implementation arrangements have not been announced in the available report.
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Food Court and Craft Bazaar Planned
The restoration is part of a broader effort to improve facilities around Multan’s historic complex. Khan said additional amenities, including a food court and craft bazaar, were also being developed.
These facilities are intended to add recreational and cultural options for residents and visitors. However, the administration has not provided a confirmed opening date for the proposed food court and craft bazaar in the report.
The library café is designed to complement the reading space by providing a place for visitors to meet and engage with literature and local culture.
Writers Donate Books to the Library
Industrialist Khawaja Jawad welcomed the restoration, saying the preservation of historic buildings was important for safeguarding Multan’s identity.
Writers and academics also contributed books to the collection during the ceremony. The donations are expected to support the library’s role as a resource for students, researchers and readers.
The project brings together heritage conservation and public learning. Its longer-term value will depend on continued investment in books, library services, access for students and the maintenance of the restored building.
For broader information about public-library development and preservation in Punjab, readers can consult the Punjab Library Foundation, which supports public libraries through funding for books, equipment and furniture, as well as initiatives to preserve rare publications and manuscripts.
