A state-of-the-art laboratory for preserving centuries-old manuscripts has been inaugurated at the Punjab University (PU) Library, funded by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA). The lab aims to protect the largest collection of rare manuscripts in Pakistan and enhance preservation efforts through modern techniques.
The inauguration ceremony was held on Monday at the PU Library, attended by Deputy Consul General of Turkiye in Lahore, Mr Ali Arbash, alongside PU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, TIKA Country Head Muhsin Balci, Head of Turkish experts Ms Nil Baydar, PU Department of History Chairman Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain, Chief Librarian Dr Muhammad Haroon Usmani, and other dignitaries.
Speaking to the media, Mr Ali Arbash emphasized the significance of preserving PU’s invaluable collection of manuscripts, highlighting the deep cultural and religious ties between Pakistan and Turkiye. He reiterated Turkiye’s commitment to supporting such initiatives for knowledge preservation.
Muhsin Balci elaborated that the idea of establishing a preservation lab at PU had been in the works for a year. He stressed the importance of staff training, ensuring the longevity of the manuscripts for future generations. “This advanced facility will safeguard these manuscripts for hundreds of years,” Balci noted, expressing gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to the Turkish delegation.
Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood acknowledged the vital support from TIKA and the Turkish Consulate, sharing that the PU Library houses around 24,000 manuscripts—making it the largest such collection in the country. He expressed pride in this achievement and optimism about the future of manuscript preservation.
Chief Librarian Dr Muhammad Haroon Usmani highlighted one of the library’s most prized possessions, a 1,020-year-old manuscript of Ibn Sina’s Al-Qanoon Fi’ Tib (The Canon of Medicine). He also revealed that a seven-member Turkish team, including four experts, will provide hands-on training to PU staff as part of the collaborative effort.
Dr Usmani lauded TIKA’s role, calling the project a “great service to knowledge.” TIKA is also supporting other initiatives at various institutions across Pakistan.
The new lab, equipped with advanced preservation tools, promises to protect rare manuscripts for centuries to come, solidifying Punjab University’s role as a guardian of cultural and academic heritage.