‘Harappa older than Mohenjo Daro, Taxila’

LAHORE
Provincial Minister for Education and Archaeology Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said the remnants of Harappa are older than Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila and archaeologists from all over the world, taking interest in the Harappa civilisation, want to come to Harappa.
He expressed these views while addressing an inauguration of the exhibition held with the “discovery of Harappa once again” at the Lahore Museum on Saturday. American Consul General Lahore Zachary Harkenrider, Director British Council Kevin McLaven besides archaeologists, girl and boy students and a large number of citizens were also present.
He said that, after an approval by the chief minister, a project has been started with the cooperation of private sector for the conservation of civilisation and culture of Harappa.
He said the students of our universities and international institutions are taking active part in the discovery and research of the hidden parts of Harappa civilisation. No loss will be allowed to cause to any historical building coming in the way of orange line train in Lahore, he added.
The exhibition will continue till April 21, 2016. Special lectures of eight prominent researchers and archaeologists have also been arranged with regard to the exhibition which will continue for two days.
The participants of the function showed keen interest in old models, earthen pots, maps and remnants displayed in the exhibition and sought information about this 2,600 years BC old civilisation. Rana Mashhood said that, under the public-private partnership, models of conservation of remains of Harappa has been prepared on the pattern of India, Spain and Egypt. He said that in the first phase, project has been started with the cooperation of COMSATS institute.
He said the boundary wall is being constructed first time around the Harappa ruins. He said we have made a comprehensive programme for giving identity to other remains of Harappa and Punjab in the world and a number of international institutions are ready to fund the Harappa project. He said that a documentary regarding Harappa is being made in Urdu and English languages and a website has also been launched in this regard.
He said the slogans and logos are being prepared for highlighting the importance of Harappa.
He said that a group with the name of friends of Harappa, comprising archaeologists, historians, researchers and students, is being constituted.
Talking to media, Rana Mashhood said the question does not arise of damaging historic buildings coming in the way of orange line train project.
The government is fully aware of its local and international responsibilities for implementing the SOPs.
He said that due to government measures, remnants coming in the way of train will be made more safe and strong.