Floods lay bare buried treasure trove

Monsoon floods in the foothills of the Sulaiman Range have uncovered centuries-old treasures buried deep beneath the soil, bringing to light rare coins and ancient artefacts that reaffirm the region's historic role as a cultural and trade corridor.

A special archaeology team led by Deputy Director Salman Tanveer, along with Dera Ghazi Khan Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid and Political Assistant Amir Taimoor, visited Sakhi Sarwar where local residents handed over between 400 and 500 coins to the officials.

The trove was given to the district administration voluntarily for its preservation, according to the officials. Authorities also announced that certificates of appreciation and rewards would be recommended for the residents' cooperation.

"The discovery will help highlight the historical and cultural importance of the region on a global scale, paving the way for tourism, research, and local employment opportunities," Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid stated.

Archaeology official Salman Tanveer added that systematic excavations and research wold likely reveal more heritage material. He said recommendations are being made to develop the site into both a research centre and a tourist attraction.

Experts, who examined the recovered coins said they find wide spectrum of eras and empires – the Mughals, Tughlaqs, Sikh rule, Kushan king Vima Deva Kaniska, the Durrani and Lodi dynasties, the British period, as well as coins from Nadir Shah, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Central Asia, and the Arab world.

This diversity, they argue, proves that Dera Ghazi Khan was historically a key centre of trade and cultural exchange. "This area is a unique cultural hub. It once served as a vital passage for ancient trade caravans," Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid noted.