Punjab University inaugurated research work on the Unesco sponsored project "Sui-Vihar Excavations and Archaeological Reconnaissance of Southern Punjab." An inaugural ceremony in this regard was held at Institute of Bio-chemistry and Bio-technology attended by Registrar Professor Dr Muhammad Akhtar, Dean Faculty of Arts Dr Qalb-e-Abid, Chairman Department of Archaeology Dr Farzand Masih, Unesco representative Sajida Parveen and Director Punjab Archaeology Department Shahbaz Khan.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Masih said that under this project PU Archaeology Department will comb the area around Sui Vihar in Bahawalpur to map the cultural mounds. He said that the religious art of Budhist faith in Southern Pakistan especially, in Southern Punjab has its own identity.
Unfortunately, archaeological reconnaissance like Sui-Vihar had been wasted due to development work and other reasons. Three experts had work on Sui-Vihar among them Dr Rafiq Mughal worked on this place in 1977. Now PU has started work on it and excavated new things like stucco, cooper seat field, unicorn, clay and metal which proved that this place is 1,900 and 2,300 year older of AD. According to the project PU team under Dr Farzand Masih will prepare maps, study culture of the area and create awareness among the people about archaeological reconnaissance and also provide training to students.
Director Punjab Archaeology Department Shahbaz Khan said that evidences are found that Pakistan archaeological history is consisted of million years and the study of archaeology explored the living standard of the ancient people. He appreciated PU for conducting the project. Dr Raheel Ahmad Siddiqi from Wapda said that government was failed to preserve the archaeological reconnaissance but now as the subject is related to Punjab government so it will take all out measures to preserve them.
Sajida Parveen called the Suri-Viahar a good project, which will create awareness about oldest Punjab. In the ceremony launching of the research journal "Ancient Punjab" published by the Archaeology Department was also conducted which included 10 research journals.