Lahore: The Department of Product and Industrial Design at the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, expressed its gratitude to Ms. Syeda Shamin Asghar Ali Jafri, Director of the Archive, for her lecture on preserving historical records. The session highlighted the crucial role of archival historical records as a bridge connecting contemporary society with the heritage of earlier civilizations, especially those from Central Asia.
Ms. Jafri’s presentation detailed the methods used in the preservation, conservation, and restoration of paper-based materials, an essential task in safeguarding manuscripts dating back over 1,800 years. She elaborated on the systematic processes involved in acquiring, classifying, maintaining, and preserving these records for diverse audiences, including researchers, academicians, historians, and the general public.
The lecture underscored the meticulous attention to cleaning, repairing, and protecting fragile paper records from environmental threats such as heat, light, and moisture. Ms. Jafri’s dedication to preserving national heritage is evident in the archive library and museum, which serve as enduring symbols of her commitment.
Ms. Asma Khalid, Assistant Professor, and her first-year students from the Department of Product and Industrial Design, expressed their sincere appreciation for Ms. Jafri’s efforts in sharing her expertise on preserving and digitizing historical records.