A significant modernization drive at the National Archives of Pakistan is now underway, backed by a Rs285 million investment. The initiative aims to overhaul fire safety systems, lighting, and environmental controls, marking a crucial step in preserving the country's documentary heritage. Main Developments Senator Naseema Ehsan, chairing the Senate Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation, received the update during a Monday session. Officials confirmed that the project is active, though they also flagged a persistent shortage of skilled archivists, attributed to low salaries and limited career growth. To address staffing gaps, the committee chairperson recommended partnering with academic institutions to develop specialized archival preservation courses. She also urged the upgrading of professional posts to make the roles more attractive to qualified candidates. Read also: AJK election: PPP Lahore chief alleges rigging, seeks re-vote Digitization efforts have already reached approximately nine million documents, with the next phase aiming to provide public access through an online e-library. The committee lauded this progress but directed that robust cybersecurity and data protection measures be embedded in the legal framework. Background The National Archives serves as the custodian of Pakistan's historical records, yet it has faced chronic underfunding and staffing challenges. The new project addresses long-standing infrastructure deficiencies, while the draft Preservation and Export Control Rules, 2025, aim to regulate how archival material is preserved, exhibited, and exported. Committee members welcomed proposed licensing mechanisms designed to curb the illegal movement of historical records abroad. They also expressed concern over provincial collections, particularly in Kalat, urging coordinated efforts with provincial authorities to digitize and preserve these holdings. Why It Matters This modernization is vital for safeguarding Pakistan's documentary heritage against fire, environmental damage, and natural disasters. The emphasis on cybersecurity and stricter penalties for smuggling reflects a broader effort to protect national identity and historical integrity. Digitization and the planned e-library will democratize access to archival materials, benefiting researchers and the public. However, without skilled archivists, these efforts could stall, making workforce development a critical component of the project's success. What's Next Following the committee's recommendations, the Cabinet Division has invited members to visit the National Archives to observe preservation efforts firsthand. The draft Preservation and Export Control Rules, 2025, will likely undergo further review, incorporating directives on disaster risk management and harsher penalties for smuggling. Attention now turns to implementing the digitization of provincial collections, particularly in Kalat, and ensuring that cybersecurity measures are finalized before the e-library goes live.