US helping to preserve Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cultural heritage, says consul general

PESHAWAR: United States Consul General Shante Moore on Saturday underscored the US commitment to support Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cultural heritage and said the

ongoing projects were aimed at protecting and promoting the region’s historical sites.

During his interaction with a group of journalists here, Moore emphasized the importance of KP’s rich cultural heritage, calling it a distinguishing feature that makes the province remarkable.

He expressed his admiration for the opportunity to experience the local culture, describing it as an amazing experience. “We have projects to protect KP’s cultural heritage, but also to promote it,” Moore stated.

He highlighted the collaborative efforts with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to preserve significant cultural sites, such as the Buddhist remains in Takhtbhai, the Gor Khatri archeological complex and the Peshawar Museum.

He also mentioned a recent initiative where experts from Indiana University visited Peshawar to train local employees of the Directorate of Archaeology in modern techniques for safeguarding and promoting the province’s heritage.

Moore stressed the potential for tourism in KP, which could be significantly boosted by these preservation efforts.

In addition to cultural support, Moore spoke about the US role in enhancing business opportunities in KP. He outlined various initiatives to strengthen bilateral commercial linkages, including programs to support local entrepreneurs.

“We are working with men and women entrepreneurs to strengthen the bilateral commercial linkages,” the consul general explained. The US has facilitated the participation of KP entrepreneurs in international business and trade shows,

helping them connect with potential partners and explore markets in Pakistan.

Moore also highlighted the ongoing efforts by the USAID, which has provided substantial assistance to KP since 2008, amounting to $1.7 billion. This support has largely been focused on infrastructure development, including the construction and refurbishment of schools, roads, and training programs for teachers. Additionally, USAID has been actively involved in boosting the agriculture sector, which Moore identified as an area where KP has a competitive advantage. The province is also seen as having significant potential in the renewable energy, mining, and Information Technology sectors.

However, Moore maintained that the security situation remained a major hurdle for investors considering opportunities in KP.

He emphasized that improving security was crucial for the province’s prosperity and development. “Until KP and Pakistan improve the security situation, it affects the prosperity and development of the province,” he added.

The consul general acknowledged the challenges Pakistan faced following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan, expressing sympathy for the country, particularly in view of ongoing terrorist attacks. He emphasized the US’s commitment to support Pakistan, especially by providing security assistance to the police, including equipment, training, and facilities. He stressed that Pakistan’s security and stability were crucial not only for its people but also for regional stability.

He emphasized that while challenges existed, the US remained dedicated to supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through various initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage, fostering business opportunities, and enhancing security. Through these efforts, the US hopes to contribute to the province’s overall development and prosperity, he maintained.