Kot Diji Fort cannons return home
The Kot Diji fort in Khairpur was built by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur in the late 18th century. The Talpurs are one of Sindh’s royal families about which there is authentic information on direct descendants. PHOTO CREDIT: AMEER HAMZA
Sindh's Caretaker Minister for Culture and Antiquities Dr Junaid Ali Shah has announced the recovery of six stolen cannons from Kot Diji Fort.
The minister personally visited Kot Diji in Khairpur to inspect and gather details about the fort. During the visit, he inspected two cannons that have been reinstalled in the Kot Diji Fort. Speaking to the media, Dr Shah revealed that out of the six recovered cannons, two have already been reinstated within the fort, while the locations of the remaining four have been identified.
Reiterating his commitment to preserving the historical significance of Kot Diji Fort, Dr Shah assured that all antiquities belonging to the fort would be returned, enhancing the overall historical beauty of the site. In a move to promote cultural awareness, the minister announced the waiver of entry fees for students visiting the heritage sites and museums across Sindh.
Read Rediscovering heritage: Kot Diji’s missing artillery resurfaces
Dr Shah underlined the need for exposing the youth to their cultural heritage, highlighting the responsibility of Sindh's youth in carrying forward the region's rich history. He stressed the importance of educating the youth about heritage sites, announcing plans for an information and facilitation counter at Kot Diji Fort to assist and create awareness for future tourists.
Adding to the positive developments, Dr Shah shared that the construction of a magnificent museum at Kot Diji Fort has been completed, with plans for inauguration in mid-January. Moreover, he mentioned intentions to communicate with local governments, advocating for improved access to heritage sites. This includes not only road repairs but also the installation of information boards to enhance the overall experience for visitors.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2023.