Preserving heritage: Italian ambassador visits restored Swat Museum

Will be open to the public soon, says K-P archaeology department director .

SAIDU SHARIF:

Italian ambassador to Pakistan visited the Swat Archaeological Museum on Monday, following its reconstruction undertaken by the Italian government.

The museum was reconstructed under a project funded by the Pakistan-Italian Debt Swap Agreement and implemented by the Archaeology Community Tourism – Field School Project. The building was damaged in the 2005 earthquake and underwent further damage when a bomb blast occurred close to it in 2009.

Speaking on the occasion, Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Adriano Chiodi Cianfarnai said he was honoured to be in Swat to celebrate the restoration of the Swat Museum, 50 years after it was first inaugurated on November 10, 1963.

The museum was reconstructed under a project funded by the Pakistan-Italian Debt Swap Agreement and implemented by the Archaeology Community Tourism. PHOTO: EXPRESS

“The museum’s reconstruction represents an important milestone for the protection of Pakistan’s multifaceted history and is a symbol of the strong bonds that unite Italy and Pakistan,” said Cianfarnai.

“Gandhara art is one of the most interesting examples of the unique product of the meeting of two great civilisations and Pakistan is the cultural fault line where the East meets the West. It is a land that acts as a bridge between Europe and Asia through its very significant historical legacy,” stated the ambassador.

Cianfarnai added Italy and Pakistan enjoy long-standing friendly relations. “The reconstruction of Swat Archaeological Museum in Saidu Sharif offers further tangible proof of Italy’s commitment to contribute in protecting the legacy of Pakistan’s rich past.”

On the occasion, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department Director Dr Naseem Khan thanked the Italian government for reconstructing the museum. “Museums and archaeology are the backbone of tourism. If there is no archaeology in a country, its tourism is considered incomplete. This museum will not only improve tourism in Swat, but also enhance the valley’s economy,” said Khan.

The director added the restored museum would be opened for the general public very soon.



The Italian ambassador, officials of the district administration, army and the archaeology department director later visited various sections inside the building.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th,2013.