US pledges $320,000 for Balochistan's Mehrgarh Museum

Envoy Blome, CM Domki launch AFCP’s launch first-ever project in Balochistan

KARACHI:

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and interim Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Khan Domki launched the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation’s (AFCP) first-ever project in Balochistan.

This landmark initiative allocates over $320,000 for the preservation of Neolithic and other archaeological artifacts of the Mehrgarh civilisation, as well as the enhancement of curation at the Mehrgarh Museum of Balochistan in Quetta.

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In his remarks, Ambassador Blome said: “This endeavour underscores the importance the United States places on the cultural legacy of Balochistan and our commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation of its history.”

The United States has awarded more than $8 million for 33 cultural heritage projects across Pakistan, including in Sindh province the restoration of Varun Dev Temple, Frere Hall, the Nusserwanjee Building, and the tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Makli Hill necropolis.

US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome at the launch of the first-ever AFCP project in Balochistan. PHOTO: EXRESS

The launch, attended by US Consul General Karachi Conrad Tribble, officials from the Government of Balochistan Culture Department, and Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS) co-founders Dr Kaleemullah Lashari and Dr Asma Ibrahim, included an overview of Mehrgarh history and the Mehrgarh Museum of Balochistan.

The Mehrgarh Museum of Balochistan, established in Sept 2022, showcases the region's pre- and early history. Artifacts from Mehrgarh are globally recognised and displayed in museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Musée Guimet in Paris, highlighting Pakistan’s global archaeological significance.