Ganweriwala excavation halts unexpectedly

The excavation and research work at Ganweriwala, a 5,000-year-old lost city located in the Cholistan Desert, has been suspended for several months due to a lack of funding. Archaeology experts lament that due to government inaction, Pakistan is missing a crucial opportunity to showcase an important site from the Indus Valley Civilization on a global platform.

Renowned archaeologist Dr Muhammad Rafique Mughal first discovered Ganweriwala in 1975. Experts believe this ancient site was the third-largest urban centre, after Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of Qila Derawar. A team of former directors and experts from various institutions across Punjab commenced excavation on February 24, 2024, under the leadership of Dr Sajida Haider Vandal, Chairperson of the Trust for History, Art, and Architecture of Punjab Foundation.

Despite the harsh desert climate, the team worked tirelessly, engaging prominent Pakistani experts, including Dr Rafique Mughal, in this national project. The excavation unearthed pottery, brick walls, terracotta figurines, copper seals, and other artefacts at various sites, bearing striking similarities to the Indus Valley Civilization. Dr Mughal confirmed that these findings attest to Ganweriwala's antiquity and significance.

Former Director of Archaeology, Afzal Khan, revealed that over 60 labourers were employed, a tent city was established, and six excavation sites were explored. However, the project slowed down in late March due to extreme heat and labour shortages. Despite submitting detailed expenses to the Commissioner's office in Bahawalpur, funds were withheld due to alleged objections.

“The government had approved Rs20 million for the project, which was to be disbursed through the Commissioner Bahawalpur, but the team has yet to receive a single rupee. The second phase of excavation, scheduled to begin in October 2024, has been put on hold due to a lack of funding," said Dr Vandal.

Seconding Dr Vandal, Khan added that the funds lapsed on June 30, 2024, as the fiscal year concluded. Experts worldwide are now inquiring about the discoveries, but the team is unable to provide answers. 
Muhammad Hassan, former Director of Punjab Archaeology, highlighted the site’s significance, noting that Ganweriwala is the most prominent among nearly 500 archaeological sites in Cholistan. The area was once inhabited by people who practiced agriculture and cattle rearing along the banks of the Hakra River.

Meanwhile, Bahawalpur Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen confirmed that no funds were released to the team. “As per the agreement, all artefacts were to be sent for international analysis and then handed over to the Bahawalpur Museum. However, the team allegedly shifted the findings to Lahore and has not submitted any lab reports so far,” noted Jabeen.

Experts argue that the government should facilitate, rather than hinder, international-standard research, enabling Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage to be preserved and showcased globally.