LAHORE: A delegation of Ministry of Culture & Tourism from Turkey called on Punjab Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Shamail Ahmad Khawaja at Civil Secretariat, Lahore. Matters regarding technical assistance from Turk experts in restoration and conservation of famous sites of archeological importance located in Lahore and other parts of the province of Punjab were brought under discussion.
The Turkish delegation was headed by Turkey Ministry of Culture & Tourism Chief Architect Nermin Uzunali accompanied by conservation experts of Cultural Heritage Ahmet Canseven and Ahmet Hakan Evsen. Shamail Ahmad Khawaja informed the Turk delegation that the people of Punjab are proud custodians of many great civilizations in the history. It is our national obligation to conserve this rich cultural heritage for which the government of Punjab had been collaborating with Norway, Italy and Germany, he said.
He added that Turkey has a lot in common with Pakistan, as both countries have similar cultural heritage by virtue of being Islamic states. This is why the government of Punjab is desirous to seek technical support from Turkish archeologists in conservation and restoration of ancient fresco paintings present on the huge “Picture Wall” of Shahi Qila, Lahore, and restoration work of mosaic work in all the historical buildings and havelies located in the Walled City, he said.
It was agreed upon during the meeting that a memorandum of understanding will also be signed with the Turkish delegation to extend technical support in establishing a Metallurgical and Structure Material Analysis Laboratory in Lahore, which would help conserve the sites of archeological importance. Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) Director General Kamran Lashari, Punjab Archeology Director General Ijaz Ahmed and others were present during the meeting.