PESHAWAR: Tucked away from the chaotic traffic and blaring horns of Peshawar’s busiest avenues, the city’s public library offers a rare sanctuary of undisturbed calm.
On any given morning, long before the surrounding markets fully awaken, a steady stream of young aspirants -- preparing for competitive civil service examinations like CSS and PMS, alongside medical hopefuls studying for professional disciplines and MDCAT -- fills its quiet reading halls.
Inside, the atmosphere is charged with a quiet focus. The rows of wooden desks are neatly packed with thick medical manuals, past papers, handwritten notes and highlighters. Though the library is currently undergoing infrastructural renovation aimed at modernising its facilities and expanding seating capacity, the ongoing work has done little to deter visitors who consider the venue an irreplaceable haven.
“At home, everybody seems constantly busy and distracted by social media,” Huzaifa, a competitive exam aspirant, told this scribe while taking a brief study break in the courtyard.
“Between digital notifications, power outages and everyday household noise, finding genuine focus is nearly impossible. Even while the library is under renovation, it remains a true boon for us. The shared silence creates an energy that instantly puts you into study mode,” he said.
Female candidates equally rely on this quiet space to build their futures. “The reading halls offer a secure, disciplined space where we can study without interruptions. In an environment like this, hours pass productively because everyone around you shares the same dedication,” said Rukhsana Sabir, an MDCAT candidate.
Echoing her thoughts, Maimoona Shahid, who is preparing for competitive examinations, emphasised the psychological benefits of the sanctuary. “Preparing for high-stakes exams brings immense pressure. Sitting in a quiet hall surrounded by fellow aspirants keeps my anxieties at bay and allows me to stay consistent in my routine,” she said.
A library official noted that turnouts spiked sharply ahead of major competitive tests and entrance examinations. Contrary to expectations in the digital age, he highlighted that both the average daily visitor footfall and registered memberships actually improved since the widespread invasion of social media.
“Rather than pushing candidates away, the noise and constant notifications of the digital world have driven more youth to seek out silence and a peaceful environment here,” he said.
As afternoon turns to evening, candidates remain glued to their desks, taking full advantage of the peaceful atmosphere until the doors close. For Peshawar’s ambitious youth and book lovers alike, the public library remains an invaluable asset, a place where silence is not merely the absence of sound, but a powerful companion on the road to success.
Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2026
