Pakistan

Rich heritage: Ancient civilisations offer potential for regional linkages, says Aziz

The adviser said that Pakistan being located at the crossroads of South, Central and West Asia

APP May 10, 2016

A file photo of Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is cradle of ancient civilisations and offer immense potential for bringing closer the people in the region. This was said by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on Monday at the launch of an exhibition “Ancient Pakistan”.

He said that the objective of the event was to promote country’s rich heritage and culture.

Aziz and Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed jointly inaugurated the three-day exhibition at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where relics of Gandhara, Indus Valley, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa civilisations have been put on display.

The exhibit carries an evidence of palaeolithic culture recorded near Islamabad, Loralai, Musakhel, Dhok Pathan, Kund, Hyderabad, Rohri, Jamal Garhi and Khairpur.

The adviser said that Pakistan being located at the crossroads of South, Central and West Asia could promote regional ties through its rich culture.

Rasheed said that the exhibition would help promote country’s positive image abroad.

He said that it was a prehistoric land, and contribution of ancient Pakistan to the development of human civilisation was well recognised across the world.

He also expressed satisfaction over the collaboration among provincial archaeological departments for holding the exhibition.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi said that the old civilisation of the country left one in wonder having a basis of tolerance and accommodation.

He said that being the inheritors of such a tolerant and cultured civilisation, there was a responsibility upon them to carry forward the spirit of that legacy.

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said that the exhibition would help the world know about the rare and precious 7,000 -year-old civilisation.

He appreciated the ambassadors for taking interest in holding similar exhibitions in their countries to highlight and promote Pakistan’s ancient civilisation.

The exhibition will continue till tomorrow.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2016.