LAHORE: PUNJAB Chief Secretary Khizar Hayyat Gondal has ordered formulating a strategy for preservation and rehabilitation of archeological, historical and cultural sites in the province. He was presiding over a meeting of Board of Governors of Punjab Heritage Foundation here Wednesday. The meeting discussed, in detail, the administrative and financial matters of Punjab Heritage Foundation. Addressing the meeting, the chief secretary, who is the Vice-Chairman of Punjab Heritage Foundation, said that all possible steps would be taken for preservation and rehabilitation of historical and cultural sites as these were national asset. He said there was a need to enhance awareness among people regarding the preservation of buildings, sites and objects of historical importance. “Protection of historical and cultural heritage is our national duty”, he added. He directed the relevant departments to work hard for ensuring protection of sites of archeological, historical and cultural importance and seek help of international agencies for this purpose. DG Archeology Dr Ismat Tahira told the meeting that 400 monuments had been listed as historical heritage in Punjab. Archeologist Dr Mehmood Hussain said that Archeology Department had not included all archeological sites in its list; there is a need to add more historical sites to this list. The meeting was attended by MPA Rana Muhammad Arshad, MPA Sadia Suhail Rana, Secretaries of Finance, Auqaf, Local Government departments, Director Lahore Museum, former NCA Principal Sajida Vandal and others.
