Rs1 billion fund set up to preserve heritage sites

Endowment to help promote cultural talent, training and research

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has set up a fund of one billion rupees fund to protect the buildings declared as archaeological sites and heritage.

On the same account, the first meeting of the board established for the Endowment Fund for Archaeological Sites and Heritage Buildings under the chairmanship of Sindh Minister for Education, Culture and Antiquities Syed Sardar Shah was held in Karachi on Monday.

Secretary Culture Naseem Al Ghani Sohto, Director General Antiquities and Archeology Manzoor Ahmad Kanasro, Dr Kaleem Lashari and other officials participated as members of this board.

The notification of the Board of Endowment Fund established by the Government of Sindh for the protection of archaeological sites and heritage buildings was issued on November 8, 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Shah said that the endowment fund will help in ensuring the preservation, repair, restoration and maintenance of archaeological sites and historical heritage.

He said that the participation of the private sector in the endowment fund will also be welcomed.

The provincial minister directed that a policy should be made for various institutions and companies to invest in this fund under corporate social responsibility.

He said that international organisations will also be invited to contribute to this fund established to preserve the heritage.

The Sindh Culture Minister said that the Endowment Fund for Archaeological Sites and Heritage Buildings will not be limited to sites or buildings only, but a policy will also be made to use this fund for the protection and research purposes of other cultural sectors of Sindh. The fund will also be able to support cultural talent promotion, training and research.

He said that many individuals and organisations in society are willing to work for the protection of the national heritages; they will also be given the opportunity.

He further stated that the Board will also be responsible for seeking the help of certified scientific laboratories for research on antiquities.

The meeting was informed that 250 million rupees have been released by the Sindh government for the endowment fund for archaeological sites and heritage buildings in the current financial year.

On this occasion, the provincial minister directed that a technical supervisory committee should also be formed to implement the board's decisions.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10^th, 2023.