PESHAWAR: Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has inaugurated domical shed over an excavated trench and diorama inside the Gor Khatree Archaeological Complex. Advisor to the Chief Minister on Archaeology, Tourism, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Amjad Khan Afridi, formally inaugurated the domical shed over trench and diorama along with display centre, Information Technology (IT) Unit, and archeological gallery at a ceremony. Director Archaeology and Museums Dr Abdul Samad told the media persons that the step was aimed at preserving ancient period archeological site, wherein excavation was done by archaeologists over 44 feet deep in different layers. He said in the initial phase, the site was preserved by installing a shed over the trench. Later, tagging will be placed according to discoveries of stated period, he added. “It will be presumed as an open museum, wherein tag will be placed as per discoveries of various ancient era,” Dr Abdul Samad said. The director explained that the first layer of relics dated back to the British era. Other relics came from the Sikh, Durrani, Mughal, Sultanate and Ghaznvid periods. “The latter, which followed Ghaznavi’s defeat of the Hindu Shahis, dates around 1,000 AD. Older remnants are from the White Huns, Kushans and Sassanids. There are even signs of Parthians, dating back to 100 AD,” explained the archaeologist. Among other items, he said, the recovered relics included pottery and other utensils, toys, grinding stones and over 40 coins, which have been displayed at the Peshawar Museum. Dr Abdul Samad also dwelt at the aims of the Display Centre at the Artisan village, located at the Gor Khatree along with archaeological gallery, and the Information Technology Unit. It is, he added, is a step towards showcasing culture, traditions, and most importantly the skilled work of the artisans in a proper manner. Secretary Tourism, Archaeology, Museums, Culture, Sports, and Youth Affairs, Azam Khan, said a coordinated strategy had been evolved to work for preservation and promotion of archaeological sites. The secretary said steps had been taken for re-energizing tourism, sports, and youth activities in the province. “We are making all-out efforts to promote our rich traditions, culture, heritage and archaeological sites,” added the official. Advisor to Chief Minister Amjad Afridi, while talking to the media, said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the only province wherein a number of initiatives had been taken about archaeology. The adviser said the provincial government was committed to preserving and conserving archaeological sites under a comprehensive strategy. He said a family park would be constructed in the Gor Khatree, while wedding hall, which is established illegally, would be vacated. Amjad Afridi said the provincial government has planned to establish new museums in Dera Ismail Khan, Kohat and Abbottabad. He deplored the establishment of new museum in Chitral along with Shandur festival, was delayed due to torrential rains and flash floods in the district.
