DoAM to start conservation work on Ban Faqiran

Archeology experts from the department will start conservation work next week

ISLAMABAD: Department of Archeology and Museums (DoAM) will formally start the conservation work of heritage site "Ban Faqiran" located at the top of Margallah Hills by next week after completion of all the formalities.

Talking to the media, DoAM Archeology Director Abdul Azeem informed that the tender process for the conservation work of "Ban Faqiran" has been completed through which masonry and other necessary requirements would be provided.

The team of archeology experts from the department will start conservation work from the next week under the supervision of Archeology Expert Abdul Ghafoor Lone and Site Supervisor Arshad Khan.

Abdul Azeem said that the formal approval for initiating the conservation work of Buddhist site `Ban Faqiran' was given by the Executive Committee of Archeology and Literary Heritage Endowment Fund.



The excavation work of this historical site was completed by the department two years back and now the conservation work will be aimed at protecting the rich cultural heritage of the federal capital as well as enhancing its beauty and attraction for local and foreign visitors, he said.

The excavation of the fourth heritage site of `Ban Faqiran' which is around 2,000 years old, in the capital was the first ever field activity undertaken by the department after the 18th constitutional amendment 2010.

The antiquities dug out from the excavated site were preserved for conducting research, imparting education, promoting tourism and providing recreation to the visitors, the official added.

The objectives behind this project were to reconstruct the ancient cultural profile, establish antiquities and explore, excavate and preserve potential archeological sites in the federal capital, he said.

Besides this, it will project a softer image of the country when foreign visiting dignitaries or delegates are shown around the heritage sites and the museum, housing the antiquity.

The official informed that the funds for excavation of this Buddhist site were provided by the National Fund for Cultural Heritage (NFCH) in April 2015 and its excavation commenced in August 2015.

The excavating team under the field directorship of the archeology expert and site supervisor exposed a large square structure, measuring 10.26 metres a side, on the top of Margalla Hills, the official briefed.

This structure is made of lime and kanjur stone, with semi ashlar and diaper masonry dated from the second to the fourth century Common Era (CE).

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2019.