Daily Times

PESHAWAR: Heritage is identity of a nation, which must be preserved and protected for the sake of unity of nation while creation of awareness among the people about rich ancient archaeological remains and historic places across the province.

This was unanimous stand of the participants during launching ceremony of the first-ever documentary on ‘Vanishing History’, in English and Urdu languages, released by Mashaal Radio at the press club here on Tuesday.

Dr Abdul Samad, Director Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Director Walled City Project, Naeem Safi, noted Pashto poet, Abaseen Yousafzai, were keynote speakers on the occasion. Besides, the event was also attended by a large number of archaeologists, academicians, Pashto writers, poet, members’ of civil society, renowned literary figures, local staff members of Mashaal Radio, and officials of department concerned.

The ‘Vanishing History’ is shorter a 13-minutes documentary, compassing the archaeological sites at Takht Bhai, Swat and Sri Behlol. The documentary key part is the conjunctional restoration of the Takht Bhai site.

According to the archaeologists, KP is 2000 years old Gandhara region, centre of religious harmony where the followers of several religious used to live together.

Dr Samad, while speaking on the occasion praised the initiative saying the event has advocated to rich archeological heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Directorate of Archaeology had extended all possible support for this important purpose.

He said that it was essential to create awareness about the historic archaeological remains among the young generation.

According to provincial based survey, he said around 98 per cent people don’t have knowledge about rich history and archaeological sites in the province.

The Director said the department is making all out efforts and utilizing available resources, to preserve and protect the archaeological heritage, besides, he added that it has also launched a heritage awareness program for youth in the province.

Naeem Safi said the heritage is identity of any nation, and stressed that the young generation should be knowledgeable about their heritage, particularly ancient archaeological structures and sites.

Dr Samad said it was quite difficult to arrange tour at more than 6,000 archaeological sites in KP, and stressed the need of taking initiative at individual level as well, to preserve and protect along with create awareness about significance of this rich and ancient archaeological heritage. He said role of media is vital to keep attached the young generation about rich legacy.

Others speakers, include Dr Habib Khan, Abaseen Yousafzai, Asad Zareen, Khalid Ayub, Sattar Khan, Selab Mehsud, while stressing at event, have stressed the need of creation of awareness regarding the old archeological place is essential to efficient preserve and protect the rich heritage.

The participants said it was good initiative, which must be sustained, and called for launching of a proper heritage awareness program in the province.