The federal archeology department has not taken the provincial directorate of archeology into confidence. Nor has the district government been informed about this. Paradoxically, this site is in direct control of the federal archeology department, while the provincial directorate of archeology controls the site museum.
The federal department has in the past carried out maintenance and repair work, which resulted in the theft of many unrecorded precious antiquities and statues. During excavation in 1995 two watchmen were arrested for theft of statues but the case has not been pursued against them. Often, unscrupulous individuals near this site have carried out unauthorized digging, and the site is in the state of utter disrepair itself, while authorities have failed to take any notice. The security arrangements and tourist facilities are negligible.
Besides, the federal archeology department does not have an admirable record of guaranteeing the safety of archeological treasures. Years ago, some rare gold coins were mysteriously lost from the Karachi Museum and despite public outcry no case was registered for this grave crime. The sad fact is that these antiquities belonged to NWFP. The disfigurement of the Shish Mahal at Lahore Fort is another feat for which this department has been blamed. Several other irregularities have been also reported against the federal department but no action has been taken.
Under the Antiquities Act 1997 / Section 28 no discovered artifact or antiquity is to be removed from the province as it is its rightful owner. But under the ambiguous rules of business, when the federal government undertakes “development activity” at heritage sites, these regulations are often flouted with impunity. It is time that this disharmony is removed and archeology becomes a prerogative of the provincial government.
SCN urges the federal and provincial governments to halt this controversial “development activity” immediately and guarantee the safety and conservation of this precious site. It should take the provincial directorate and local government into confidence for transparency of the activity undertaken. SCN also urges UNESCO to take notice of this grave situation and take necessary measures to ensure the preservation of this site in the best interest of heritage.
Adil Zareef
Secretary
SCN
