ISLAMABAD, Aug 11 (ABC): The federal government has digitized around four million historical records under a comprehensive programme to modernize the National Archives of Pakistan (NAP) and preserve the country’s documentary heritage.
According to official documents available with Wealth Pakistan, the government is implementing the initiative under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) project titled “Strengthening & Modernizing National Archives of Pakistan.”
In addition to digitization, the project has restored 50,000 historical records to ensure their long-term preservation.
Rare books and manuscripts digitized
The National Archives has completed the digitization of 2.7 million pages of rare books, manuscripts, newspapers and other valuable documents.
The work marks significant progress in Pakistan’s transition towards digital preservation of historical records. It will also help protect valuable documents from deterioration and other risks associated with physical storage.
The digitization drive covers a wide range of archival material. The National Archives has also digitized photographs, microfilm rolls, audio and video recordings, and other archival holdings.
Dedicated IT Wing being established
The government is establishing a dedicated IT Wing at the National Archives to further strengthen the modernization programme.
The new digital infrastructure will improve the management and preservation of archival material while facilitating access to historical records.
The programme will also support e-governance by making archival records more accessible to researchers, policymakers and the public.
According to the documents, the modernization drive aims to protect irreplaceable historical material from physical deterioration and natural disasters.
The initiative represents a broader effort to safeguard Pakistan’s documentary legacy through modern technology, improved archival management and greater public access to historically significant records.
