Archaeologists and scholars at a conference have proposed the formulation of a comprehensive policy for the preservation and protection of ancient archaeological relics and artifacts, and stressed on the need for adopting modern techniques during excavation at archaeological sites.
The three-day international conference on Archaeological and Culture of KP, was concluded here baragali summer campus of University of Peshawar on Thursday, held under auspices of Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in collaboration with Department of Archaeology, University of Peshawar. A total of 70 research papers of archaeological and scholars were presented during the three-day conference.
The conference was formally opened by Vice Chancellor, Peshawar University, Prof Dr Rasul Jan, while Advisor to Chief Minister on Tourism, Sports, Archaeology, and Youth Affairs, Amjad Khan Afridi, participated at closing ceremony as chief guest.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology and Museums Directo,r Dr Abdul Samad, Department of Archaeology Chairman, Dr Mukhtar Durrani and conference coordinator Dr Zakarullah Jan, archaeologists, researchers, students, foreign delegations from China, US and Italy were also attended the conference.
Amjad Afridi while speaking at concluding ceremony of the conference stated that provincial government is committed to protecting and preserving the archaeological heritage and culture in the province. For this purpose the KP Antiquity Act 2014 will be presented in the provincial assembly after a formal vetting by law department.
The advisor to the chief minister informed that the government is planning to establish three new museums in the province. He went on to say that the provincial government was taking measures for the security of foreign tourists, to boost up archaeological tourism in this region.
Amjad Afridi lauded the efforts of Directorate of Archaeology and Museums for organising research conference. He said the provincial government is committed to protecting and preserving ancient archaeological remains and other historic places in the province. He welcomed the recommendations and proposals from the side of participants of the conference, and reiterated the provincial government would incorporate all recommendations before the formulation of comprehensive policy regarding the preservation and protection of archaeological heritage and culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Speakers at conference informed the participants regarding new discoveries at various archaeological sites, particularly at the world heritage site Bhamala located in district Haripur. They called upon archaeology students to focus on research writing, which will assist them during practical work. They stressed on the need to use modern techniques and latest research methods during excavation at archaeological sites and ancient ruins.
Dr Rasul Jan during the opening ceremony commended the efforts made to provide opportunities to researchers and scholars to share their experiences and latest archaeological discoveries through this conference. “We need to adopt modern techniques and methods while digging on archaeological sites, said Dr Mukhtar Durrani, Chairman Department of Archaeology.
While appreciating the organisers for successfully conducting the international conference, Secretary Tourism, Archaeology, and Youth Affairs, Azam Khan said that the provincial government was taking practical steps to preserve all ancient and rich archaeological sites across the province. He assured the archaeologists and researchers that he would be extending support in conducting excavation through modern and new research methods.
Dr Abdul Samad in his opening remarks apprised the participants about main objective of the three-day moot, adding that they have proposed a comprehensive plan to preserve and protect the rich archaeological heritage and culture of the province. Later, Advisor to Chief Minister, Amjad Afridi distributed shields and certificate among the speakers and participants of the conference.
