Development of human civilisation in region well recognised around world: Pervaiz 

Islamabad 

Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid Monday said the contribution of Ancient Pakistan to development of human civilisation was well recognised across the world.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of a three-day Ancient Pakistan Exhibition here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said Pakistan is a prehistoric land. Information 

Pervaiz Rasheed and Advisor to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz jointly inaugurated the three-day exhibition where relics of Gandhara, Indus Valley and Mohenjodaro and Harappa civilisations have been put on display.

Pervaiz Rasheed said the celebration of ancient Pakistan by Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a praiseworthy initiative.

This event is unique in the sense that it has brought together provincial archaeological departments as well as important museums of our country under one roof he added.

He said Pakistan’s foreign guests can now travel in time through Pakistan millennium by millennium and century by century.

The minister said that he was happy that the diplomatic corps was taking full advantage of this opportunity.

Pervaiz Rasheed said we may further build upon this initiative and plan more of these events in cooperation with other countries as knowledge about each other s origin brings people together and creates cultural empathy among nations and states.

He expressed the hope that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue its efforts to project the positive image of Pakistan.

Earlier, addressing the inaugural ceremony, Sartaj Aziz said that Pakistan is a cradle of ancient civilizations and offer immense potential for bringing closer the people in the region.

He said the objective of the event was to introduce the world of the country s rich heritage and culture.

Sartaj Aziz said Pakistan being located at the crossroads of South Central and West Asia could promote regional ties through culture.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi said the old civilisation of Pakistan leaves one in wonder having a basis of tolerance and accommodation.

He said being the inheritors of such a tolerant and cultured civilisation there lied a responsibility upon them for carrying forward the spirit of this legacy.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said the exhibition would help the world know about the rare and precious seven thousand years old civilisation.

He appreciated the ambassadors for taking interest in holding the similar exhibitions in their countries to highlight and promote Pakistan s ancient civilization.

The event was attended by diplomats based in Islamabad and artists.

The exhibition carries an evidence of Palaeolithic culture which has been recorded near Islamabad Loralai, Musakhel, Dhoke Pathan, Kund, Hyderabad, Rohri, Jamal Garhi and Khairpur. The exhibition will continue till May 11.