On December 16, 2024, the DHA Library in Lahore hosted an insightful lecture by Lt Cdr Shawaz Hussain Baluch (Retd), a Motivational speaker and Philanthropist. The talk, titled “A Journey from Sight to Vision,”
Shawaz Hussain Baloch is a motivational speaker, social entrepreneur, philanthropist, coach and mentor. He is promoting positivity in the community and inspiring people to live their lives and engaging students with talks and inspirational messages. He is first visually impaired in the world to qualify PMP from USA, PRINCE 2 from UK and social entrepreneurship from Oxford University.
Conclusion:
At the end of the program, people asked questions, on which people answered their questions satisfactorily and emphasized that if any accident happens to someone in life, then one should not lose heart.

In order to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which library members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth, DPL has initiated a workshop in collaboration with the International Public Speaking Club; the Toast Masters International. This workshop will be held at DPL Seminar Room once a month and will be free of cost to all library members. The objective of this workshop is to provide members an opportunity to practice their speaking skills in front of a group. To accomplish this, each member is scheduled to perform various duties. Some of these include:-

  • Speaker (Prepared topics)
  • Speaker (Impromptu topics)
  • Evaluator
  • Table topic discussions
  • Grammarian
  • Joke Master

Table Topics  One of the most challenging elements of communication is impromptu speaking. Table Topics offers the ongoing challenge to speak in front of a group without preparation. Members are called to the front of the room to spontaneously comment on a subject that is provided by the Table Topics Master for the day.

Prepared Speeches  Each member is scheduled in advance every other month or so to prepare and deliver a prepared speech of 5 to 15 minutes. Formal Evaluations  One of the most rewarding elements in Toastmasters forum is to deliver a speech and than get evaluated in a supportive environment. An evaluator typically congratulates the speaker on a job well done, points out several areas of the speech that were performed well and offers 2 or 3 areas to improve upon. At the end of each meeting, attendees vote for who they felt did the best job at presenting a Table Topic, Prepared Speech and Formal Evaluation. This keeps things competitive and interesting for all members. It also gives newcomers to the club something to strive for. The first workshop in this regard was held at DPL on 23rd June 24 from 1430-1630 hrs. in which members participated wholeheartedly with zeal and enthusiasm.

Unlocking minds: nurturing critical, creative and reflective thinking
By Muhammad Arslan Qadeer
LAHORE: In a bid to foster intellectual growth and stimulate cognitive prowess, a compelling session on Critical, Creative, and Reflective Thinking was convened at the esteemed Defense Public Library. The event, orchestrated by Major General Farhan Akhter, garnered a diverse array of attendees ranging from students to seasoned professionals, all converging with an insatiable appetite for intellectual enrichment.

On Jan 31st, 2024, at the DPL (Defense Public Library), Major General Farhan delivered a compelling lecture on “Contemporary Conflict Resolution.” The event attracted a significant audience who actively engaged with the content. Attendees thoroughly enjoyed the lecture and participated wholeheartedly. Overall, the event proved to be enlightening, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Renowned Architect Taimur Khan Mumtaz Explores Timelessness in Islamic Traditional Architecture.
In a captivating discourse titled “Islamic Traditional Architecture in Search of the Timeless,” celebrated architect Taimur Khan Mumtaz illuminated the essence of traditional Islamic architectural principles. Held on January 27, 2024, the lecture drew an extensive audience eager to delve into the rich heritage of architectural craftsmanship.
Mr. Mumtaz,  known for his expertise in melding tradition with contemporary sensibilities, delved deep into the intricacies of Islamic architectural designs. From the harmonious integration of geometric patterns to the spiritual symbolism embodied in every structure, attendees were enthralled by the depth of knowledge shared.
Attendees were particularly appreciative of the comprehensive understanding gained during the session, as Mr. Mumtaz navigated through centuries-old architectural practices, highlighting their adaptability and timelessness. The intricate details and meticulous craftsmanship showcased in Islamic architecture resonated deeply with the audience, fostering a renewed appreciation for the cultural heritage embedded within each structure

On January 20, 2024, the DPL hosted a vibrant book launch ceremony for the translated work
“یہی کچھ ہے ساقی متاعِ فقیر”
by Mohtarma Tayyaba Tehseen. The event attracted a diverse audience, including scholars, writers, professionals, students, and esteemed members of both civilian and military communities.
The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm as attendees engaged in discussions and exchanged insights on the translated masterpiece. Warm applause filled the venue, underscoring the success of the event and the appreciation for Tayyaba’s remarkable translation work.