Office of the Secretary, SCN
Although there is an established international protocol to have global exhibitions of this nature, in Pakistan it has become a rule rather than an exception. Entire museums are not transported to distant lands; rather tourists are encouraged to visit their home countries to enhance local economy. The excuse given for this exercise is that it earns hard currency for the cash starved archeology department.
The excuse is fallacious on two counts: One, many visitors and tourists visit Pakistan and especially, the NWFP for its glorious Gandhara Art that flourished from prehistoric period to 5th century AD. Gandhara Art and Buddhism traveled to most Far Eastern countries, Japan, Korea and China from here. The magic of that fabled period still attracts people from all continents to see not only the artifacts but also visit the sites and monasteries. Developing sites and museums to cater to tourism and earn foreign exchange and goodwill is a global trend.
In Pakistan our best heritage either rots in personal collections or is exhibited in international museums. These are brazenly transported to foreign countries without taking into account the possibility of damage or theft of these priceless artifacts worth billions of rupees.
Secondly, the shape of museums in NWFP is pathetic. The Peshawar museum is in a shambles and tourists are seen grumbling about the poor quality of exhibit, lighting and facilities. Some priceless artifacts are rotting in the cellars for lack of space. Upgrading and providing better service can go a long way in developing a tradition of quality tourism. This sadly is not the case. The world-renowned artifacts have either been removed or relocated to different parts of the country. Some rare pieces are still proudly exhibited in private residences of high officials and elite of the country. Some great gems have been trafficked out of the country.
A crisis still exists over the shifting of Dir site museum and over two thousand priceless artifacts to an unknown location. The provincial archeological department has still not come out clean on the issue despite the resistance of local population against this illogical decision. Why does not the government improve the quality of local museums, and thus tourism?
It is a shame that instead of improving the quality and management of the ill managed, and inadequately funded museums, the provincial government has taken another step backwards that will erode tourism. The foreign currency earnings and glory that rightfully belongs to local museums will be diverted to Tokyo Museum.
Sarhad Conservation Network urges the Japanese Ambassador to assist in improving local museums and sites instead of transporting priceless Gandhara Artifacts. This robs the people of their identity and earnings. What are the guarantees and sureties that these will not be damaged or lost in transport?
SCN also demands the formation of board of governors for the museums of Pakistan, and particularly this province, as they are in deplorable conditions due to official negligence and apathy. Archeology should be a provincial matter and major decisions should be taken keeping in view local aspirations and concerns.
Finally, SCN urges the people and representatives of Peshawar, and the province to respond collectively to a grave challenge posed to the priceless heritage of the region. They cannot remain complacent in face of these conditions. Defacing its cultural heritage will turn NWFP into a faceless society.
Adil Zareef
Secretary
Sarhad Conservation Network
(posted Oct 12, 2002)