Despite our historical riches, most have little understanding or awareness of what is around us. No attention is paid in the national curriculum to history that predates the rise of Islam, and the magnificent civilisations of Greece and Rome are largely unknown to the majority. The great site at Moenjo Daro may need to be reburied if it is to be preserved, as it is not being adequately conserved. The Thatta necropolis is crumbling as are the shrines of Uch Sharif. Buddhist artefacts and stupas are defaced or demolished by extremists and anything of value is plundered for sale on the underground antiquities markets. The E-11 mound is probably atop an ancient settlement, and the Margalla foothills were part of the Gandhara Civilisation that had trade routes criss-crossing the area. It has already been established that Buddhist caravans traded through Taxila, and the E-11 mound is another link in a historical chain. Urgent efforts must be made to, at least, protect the site from encroachers and developers who care little for our heritage. We expect the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to move with all speed to protect this piece of our history.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2014.
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