ISLAMABAD: The weeklong exhibition ‘National Heritage of Pakistan’ continues to mesmerise students, art lovers and researchers with a display of variety of antiquities representing different eras of Buddhists, Sikhs, Mughal and Hindus, giving insight into the historical and cultural events and activities. The exhibition has been being arranged by Department of Archaeology and Museums at Islamabad Museum, Sir Syed Memorial, in connection with the 70th Independence Day celebrations. A number of art lovers from twin cities are visiting the exhibition to see around 500 displayed antiquities belonging to different periods of history of Pakistan including sculptures, pottery, coins, art objects, manuscript and weapons. “Nations which keeps their culture and traditions alive can only survive and live a dignified life. This exhibition is indeed a marvellous effort to pass on the rich cultural heritage to the younger generation”, said a visitor, Muneeb Akhtar. “It is good that the officials of the department are present at the venue all the time to guide the visitors about significance of these antiquities,” he said. Shazia Ahmad, a student who was showing great interest in a unique gold made bowel recently added to the artefacts collection said, such exhibition should be arranged on regular basis so that the students can learn about historical facts. She said archaeology was once a dormant subject and was not given patronage at government level however now the present government was taking strong initiatives to preserve our cultural heritage. The exhibition was inaugurated by Adviser to Prime Minister on National History and Literary Heritage (NH&LH) Irfan Siddiqui on Thursday who announced to lay foundation of ‘National Museum of Pakistan’ at federal capital early next year. Irfan Siddiqui said that his division had acquired necessary funds for establishing the state-of-the-art museum to be built at Shakarparian, adjacent to Lok Virsa. Addressing the inaugural ceremony, he said, the necessity for having a national museum has been felt since long and it would help preserve the rich cultural heritage of the country for next generations. Adviser to Prime Minister, Irfan Siddiqui said the weeklong exhibition would be a source of inspiration for youngsters, besides educating them about their history and culture and also promoting soft image of the country. NH&LH Secretary Engineer Aamir Hasan and Joint Secretary Capt (r) Abdul Majeed Niazi and Syed Junaid Akhlaq also spoke on the occasion. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, ambassadors from Turkey, France and Sri Lanka, UNESCO officials, archaeological experts, researchers and a number of students from different educational institutions. Published in Daily Times, December 11th 2017.