Archaeology dept to search for Buddhist relic near Islamabad

Identifies Sikh shrines, Mughal mosques, memorial of British-Sikh War

ISLAMABAD: Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) is successfully continuing the survey work of archaeological sites at Zone-IV of federal capital to find potential sites for documentation, excavation and preservation.



DOAM Director Archaeology Abdul Azeem said the team of archaeologists has so far identified eight sites in Zone-IV of the capital and the survey continues in different areas.

These include historical monuments, worship places of Sikh community before partition, mosques of Mughal period, remains of Buddhist period and a memorial of British-Sikh War.

Azeem, who heads the project, said the first-ever archaeological survey in federal capital was initiated to find the potential sites for excavation, documentation and preservation, protecting the precious heritage.



The team which is conducting archaeological survey comprises archaeological experts, photographers, draftsmen and other necessary staff who are recording the details of the sites for documentation and finding potential sites for excavation.

He said Assistant Directors, Mehmood Shah and Asadullah were also part of the team which is conducting the survey. Students of Hazara University and Quaid-e-Azam University are also accompanying the team of experts during the survey work on sites.



About the cost of the project, Azeem said, PC-I of the project worth Rs400,000 was already submitted to the authorities concerned for approval.

However they have been given an amount of Rs150,000 by the National History and Literary Heritage Division to start the survey work.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2016.