Preserving Balochistan’s heritage: Archaeological mapping next month

Inter-varsity consortium to assist provincial govt in preservation of cultural heritage

ISLAMABAD: Archaeological survey of Balochistan will be conducted by a consortium of universities next year. A group of archaeologists, led by Abdul Wali Khan University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ihsan Ali, will visit various regions of the province next January.

They will undertake archaeological survey of the province, preservation of archaeological sites, establishment of museums and promotion of tourism in the province.

This was informed during a meeting of archaeologists and academics with Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch here on Thursday, said a press release.

The delegation, led by the Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences chairman and Haripur University Vice-Chancellor Dr Nasser Ali Khan called on the outgoing chief minister here at the Balochistan House.

The chief minister appreciated the keen interest and contribution of the consortium for promotion of higher education and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the province.

He said that Balochistan’s history dated back to more than 10,000 years. Baloch said that a lot of it remained neglected and unexplored due to certain factors.

He assured support of the relevant departments to the delegation in this regard.

Inter-provincial coordination and experience sharing, award of PhD scholarships, admissions to the youth from Balochistan, and faculty development by the inter-university consortium and its partner organisations will be greatly helpful in promoting higher education in the province.

Archaeologists Prof Ihsan Ali stated that he and his team would work closely with the Federal Directorate of Archeology and Museums, provincial culture department and universities for conservation of centuries-old archaeological heritage of the largest province of the country.

Dr Nasser Ali Khan assured that as per follow up of the “Gwadar Declaration” signed by 26 vice-chancellors in April 2015, the consortium-member universities and its partner organisations would continue to contribute towards advancement of higher education in remote and far-flung areas of the country especially in Balochistan.

He also appreciated the efforts of the provincial government for establishing new universities, sub campuses and bringing about positive reforms in education sector of the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th,  2015.