National Documentation Wing

The National Documentation Wing (Urdu: قومی دستاویزی ونگ, romanized: qaumī dastāwīzī wing; abbreviated as NDW), formerly known as the National Documentation Center, is a specialized government entity of the government of Pakistan, primarily responsible for managing primary source materials related to colonial rule in India, the Indian nationalist movement, and Muslim political activities. It is also responsible for managing official and confidential records related to government operations, administration, and policymaking. Unlike National Archives of Pakistan, NDW deals with more contemporary and often confidential records that are crucial for internal government functioning. The NDW operates under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Division and plays a crucial role in ensuring that essential government records are systematically maintained, archived, and accessible.

National Documentation Wing

قومی دستاویزی ونگ
Agency overview
Formed	1974 (1974)
Jurisdiction	Government of Pakistan
Headquarters	Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Agency executive	Ahmed Mumtaz Bajwa, Director
Parent department	Cabinet Division
Website	http://www.ndw.gov.pk

In addition to serving in administration and policymaking, it also provides scholars and students with access to historical records that aid in research on these topics. The NDW also publishes document compilations on significant national issues, contributing to policy formulation. These publications are well-regarded in academic circles and have clarified misconceptions surrounding the Muslim freedom struggle, offering a more accurate context for Pakistan's national history.

History

The National Documentation Wing, originally known as the National Documentation Center, was instituted in 1974 under the Cabinet Division of the government of Pakistan. Its establishment was necessitated by the historical circumstances surrounding its independence. At the time of partition in 1947, Pakistan inherited no central archive of official documents or research materials. Historically significant books and documents had been housed in the Imperial Library in Calcutta and the Imperial Record Office in New Delhi—both of which remained in India and became inaccessible to Pakistan. Additionally, another significant collection was maintained in the United Kingdom at the India Office Library and Records, London. Beyond these, several other British institutions held records pertinent to Pakistan's history.

Domestically, pre-partition records were dispersed across various provincial repositories, primarily in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. Faced with the fragmentation of these crucial documents, Pakistan found it necessary to retrieve relevant records from the United Kingdom and consolidate them into a central national archive. This led to the signing of several agreements with U.K. repositories for the acquisition of the essential records, enabling the establishment of Pakistan's own central documentation repository.

Organizational structure

The National Documentation Wing operates under the jurisdiction of the Cabinet Secretary and functions as a key archival and information management body. The NDW is organized into a hierarchical structure that ensures the systematic management of research, documentation, and archival processes.

At the apex of the NDW structure is the cabinet secretary, followed by the AS-II (assistant secretary II) and the JS (Doc/Devo), the joint secretary responsible for documentation and development. The director of the NDW directly reports to the joint secretary and oversees the day-to-day operations of the organization.

The NDW is divided into five specialized sections, each tasked with specific responsibilities:

• Research Section: This section is managed by several deputy directors (I-IV) and assistant directors (I-II). It is responsible for conducting research activities pertinent to national documentation and archival needs.
• Microfilming Unit: Led by a deputy director (Technical), this unit handles the microfilming of documents for preservation. It includes specialized personnel such as the microfilm officer, assistant microfilm officer, and conservation assistant.
• Reference Library: This section is headed by a bibliographer and provides reference services to researchers, ensuring access to critical documentation and information.
• Main Library: The Main Library, also overseen by a bibliographer with additional charge, maintains the organization's core collection of texts and research materials.
• Record Room: The Record Room, managed by a section officer (Records) and supported by assistants, is responsible for maintaining and organizing the archived records for easy retrieval.

Further reading

"The Archives of Economic Life in South Asia". Centre for History and Economics. Retrieved 18 Sep 2024.