PPP minister seeks Italy’s assistance for radiocarbon lab

Says initiative will help carry out research on Sindh’s historical sites

KARACHI:

Sindh Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah proposed to Italian diplomats on Saturday to collaborate on establishing a radiocarbon laboratory for carrying out research on the province’s historical sites.

Ambassador of Italy in Pakistan HE Andreas Ferrarese, Italian Consul General in Karachi HE Danilo Giurdanella and other diplomats, who were visiting the ancient city of Bhambore along with the minister, agreed to initiate cultural exchanges between Italy in Sindh after the pandemic abated.

The minister proposed to set up the laboratory in either Jamshoro or Karachi, with the Sindh government providing infrastructure for the facility and Italy providing scientific assistance.

“Cultural samples from historical sites could then be decoded at the laboratory,” he said.

He also pointed out the need for research on Rani Kot fort.

Besides, the provincial minister told the diplomats that Bhambore was the ancient capital of Sindh, and hence, it had numerous stories that remained unearthed.

On Friday, Ferrarese and Giurdanella has expressed interest in collaborating with Pakistan in the sectors of archaeology, culture and restoration of public spaces and promoting trade and investment besides cultural exchanges between Turkey and Pakistan, while they were visiting Quaid’s mausoleum and other historical sites in Karachi.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2021.