A five-member Canadian parliamentary delegation led by House of Commons Speaker Peter Milliken visited Archaeological Taxila Museum and ancient site of Julian here on Sunday. The visiting delegation, which was accompanied by officials of Canadian High Commission, visited various sections of the museum and the ancient site of Gandhara civilisation.
On their arrival, representatives of the Department of Archaeological and Museum briefed the delegation about artefacts displayed at the museum reflecting the cultural history of the people of old civilisation.
The delegation was apprised that Gandhara remained seventh province of Persian until it was conquered by Alexander in 326 BC.
The history of Taxila begins from 61st century BC when it formed a part of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia, subsequently conquered by Alexander.
The visiting delegation was informed that excavation at Taxila was carried out between the year 1913 to 1934.
The historical place of Julian perching 300 feet above the surrounding and representing a Buddhist Stupa. The Julian Stupa and monastery has been declared protected antiquity.
The Canadian delegation during its five-day visit to Pakistan is likely to call on President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The delegation will also meet Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri, Senate Chairman Mohammadmian Soomro and National Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Amir Hussain.
The delegation will also attend the roundtable discussions to be arranged by the Canadian High Commission. The delegation will participate in the conference on parliamentary democracy and good governance organised by the Canadian High Commission and Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat). During their stay in Pakistan, the delegation will hold meetings with the parliamentary heads of the government and opposition in the Senate and National Assembly.