Federal Minister for Culture, Dr G.G. Jamal has said that in collaboration with Unesco, the Archaeological sites through out the country will be documented and mapping. In the first phases, we have selected 6-Districts in NWFP.
While addressing the large gathering at seminar here on Saturday, organised by Italian Embassy in collaboration with Ministry of Culture, the Minister further stated, thousands of Buddhists Archaeological sites documented in this zone, some of which, such as Taxila and Takht-i-Bhai, have justifiably become the part of the list of monuments of human heritage of Unesco.
While shedding lights on the contribution of Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, he mentioned that Italian Mission has completed 50-years of their excavation and research work in the valleys of Swat. Due to the efforts of the Italian Mission the valleys of Swat have been recognised as the historic, artistic and cultural heritage of the entire humanity, he said.
While highlighting the role of Mission, the Minister added that the Mission activities which started in 1956 represent of fundamental and indispensable scientific contribution with knowledge on Gandhara. He further said that the research work of the Mission has not been limited to Budhhist archaeology but has explored all the cultures that have followed one another in this land. Like, excavation of Barikot, which is likely to become new Taxila, and mosque in Udegram, is another achievements of the mission. The recent launching of the project "Archaeological map of Swat valley and research on the rock Arts" is another achievement of the Mission, he said.
As mentioned above, the Seminar/Photographic exhibition was held by Italian Embassy in collaboration with Ministry of Culture to celebrate 50th anniversary of Italian. Archaeological Mission in Pakistan. The seminar was attended by high officials from Embassy of Italy and Minister of Culture, Jalil Abbas, Italian Ambassador, Roberto Mazotta and DG, Archaeology.
The gathering was addressed by Italian Ambassador and Secretary Culture also. While commending contribution of Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan, Secretary Culture, Jail Abbas said that they were the first who came here and extended hands of co-operation in excavation and exploration in Pakistan. He further stated that they will continue the same support which will lead to further discovery of new civilisation.