Shish Mahal at the 500-year-old Lahore Fort in Lahore
Pakistan has some of Asia’s most mind-blowing landscapes, multitude of cultures and a long tradition of hospitality. It is also home to great feats of architectural beauty and ancient civilizations. Unfortunately, many of these archaeological sites of rich history are crumbling away.
Pakistan’s treasure-trove of ruins is being built over, pilfered by art thieves and villagers or succumbing to the elements.
The Mosque Lahore, Pakistan
Many like Orya Maqbool Jan, head of the Punjab provincial government’s archeology department feel that the responsibility to care for these sights should be handed down to the provincial officials.
People visit the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore
Restoration efforts by federal authorities had also caused irrevocable damage since they have not adhered to the UNESCO principles of conservation.
Others like federal government archaeological engineer Muhammad Tanweer, disagree and scoff at Jan’s assertions.
500-year-old Lahore Fort in Lahore
The federal government has 380 registered sites that it is responsible for but many are not under the colonial-era act so are tampered with. Sites are meant to be protected by a 200-foot (60-meter) buffer zone but unregulated construction crowds encroach many.
Lake house, lahore
Pakistan has been a cradle of ancient civilizations and crossroads of Greek, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim cultures, Its archaeological treasures like the Mughal-era Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, the Lahore Fort and the Katas Raj Hindu temple are a calling card for tourists and must be preserved.
Source: Reuters
