INTRODUCTION

The concept of this Idara has a history of over 100 years and is the result of considerable efforts, sacrifices and foresight. Traditionally in the early 1900s, students resorted to open spaces/gardens for study. Col. Sahib, then as a student of F.C. College and later K.E. Medical College during 1908-15 frequented the spot where the mosque now stands – at that moment in time, he made it his endeavor, that God willing, he would construct a Mosque.

On retirement in 1948, after a distinguished career, he obtained necessary permission but not without considerable difficulty. It is said that the senior concerned bureaucrat, being a member of club located adjacently, objected as he did not wish to hear the Azan whilst he inebriated. However, having constructed the mosque, he offered it to the Auqaf Department to take charge, but they declined.

Later, Col. Sahib offered to rebuild the existing adjacent shack/restaurant and this library to form a largely self-contained institution which would function mainly with the lease money generated by the restaurant. For this end, a Management Committee was constituted by the Punjab government to ensure continuance and effective operations of the Idara with the proviso that a member of the Salamat family would continue to be a member of the Management and the Chairman ex-officio, being the Secretary Agriculture Punjab. But, with the recent transfer of Bagh Administration to PHA, the D.G PHA took over as the Chairman.

Prior to the building of the mosque in the 1950’s the plinth area of the mosque was used on a regular basis for Dars-e-Quran which was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Ali Kasuri (late) and was largely attended.

Mr. Manzur Elahi (late) who later became the chief minister of Punjab was a patron of the Idara and devoted considerable energy to the promotion of the library. Mr. Majeed Nizami, Sheikh Abdul Haq, Dr. Jahangir Khan (late) and Mr. Ahmed Hassan (late) were also amongst a number of distinguished personalities who gave their patronage.

BACKGROUND & HISTORY

Constructed in 1961 after a long struggle of 8 years, the mosque provides spiritual enlightenment to the people from Fajr to Esha with the services of a full time resident khateeb. The Khutba on Friday is popular, while Eid prayer arrangement a special feature. The ladies enclosure for Friday prayers in an added attraction.

Dr. Israr Ahmad, the well known scholar had delivered Friday sermons over an extended period which was greatly appreciated. After his passing away, his son, Dr. Akif Saeed often delivers the Khutba – Juma.

The library next to a mosque was promoted in true Islamic Tradition; starting with a few small reading rooms in 1966. With the closure of the British Council and the American Centter, student had extremely limited options and the library attempts to fill this void. The Jinnah Library, next door also is not student-friendly nor does it lend books. The Dar-us-Salam Library has facilitated students pursuing a variety of professional careers by allowing them to borrow books.

The library is mostly attended by students and accordingly the service is geared to meet their demands. Initially, the library was confined to a Book-Bank catering to the needs of ‘bonafide’ medical and engineering students; offering them the latest textbooks. It was perhaps the pioneer institution of this nature in Pakistan.

The facility was subsequently extended to a general public service library. The library has been visited by a number of foreign and local dignitaries and their comments are recorded in the Vision Book.

TOTAL AREA

Total area of Idara Dar-us-Salam is 10 kanals (Gulshan Restaurant 6 kanals, Library and Mosque 4 kanals). Covered are of the library is 5460 Sq Ft, comprising seven rooms and four halls to accommodate 40,000 books and 200 readers. Daily users of the library varies between 200 to 250. Further extension is under consideration. 

Special Features:

• Open 7 days a week.

• Adequate Stock of Books on Professional Subjects

(Medical, Engineering, Law, Accountancy, Management, Government)

• Permission to bring personal books in the library.

• Instant Provision of Demanded Books.

• Air-Conditioned Reading Rooms.

• Provision of Study Carrels.

• Computer Literacy.

• Energetic and Dedicated Staff.

• Late Closings (on requests of students studying for exams)

• Research Facilities through Internet/Photocopy Services.

• Organization of Seminars, Conferences and Lectures.

LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT

EXTENSION – Existing Storage capacity of the library is 40,000 volumes and 150 seats whereas the collection has exceeded to 46,000 volumes and readership exceeded 10,000. The Board considered the extension of the library and constituted a three member committee to prepare a comprehensive report along with estimates for the extension of the library.

FINANCES

The main source of income of the Idara is the rent from Gulshan Restaurant. The other financial sources include Grant-in-Aid from Provincial Govt., Membership Fee,  Internet charges, donations, etc.

LIBRARY PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES

Public libraries are powerful agencies for education and research. Organization of seminars, conferences, workshops, lectures and literary discussion are a regular activity of the Dar-us-Salam Library. Such programs provide opportunities to the participants to share knowledge and exchange ideas.

AUDITED FINANCIALS 2023

AUDITED FINANCIALS 2022

AUDITED FINANCIALS 2021

AUDITED FINANCIALS 2020

AUDITED FINANCIALS 2019

AUDITED FINANCIALS 2018