PESHAWAR, March 12: Archaeologists have discovered Middle Stone Age colonies and stone tools in the tribal areas of Bajaur and Mohmand agencies, officials claimed on Tuesday.

A team consisting of a PhD research student, Lutfur Rehman, and Director, Archaeology and Museums, Prof Ihsan Ali, discovered what they regarded as 35,000-BC colonies in the tribal area last week.

Dr Ihsan said the colonies were as old as the Sanghao Cave in Mardan district discovered in 1963.

These colonies were a unique piece of archaeology as they were in the form of clusters depicting the advanced stage of the Middle Stone Age as compared to the primitive and isolated cave site in Mardan, he said.

The ancient stone tools — blades, arrow-heads, spearheads and scrapers — were discovered at Hisar Kot, Khona, Ango Gatkai, Saido Nao and Sarki Kandao near Nawagai in Bajaur agency and Thapalkan, Lar Chamar-Kand in the Mohmand agency.

The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums started excavation of the archaeological site at Gor Khuthree in the provincial metropolis on Tuesday. Secretary Culture, NWFP, Amjad Nazir inaugurated the excavation work.

Gor Khuthree, a high-mound site in the heart of the walled city of Peshawar is where archaeologists will be turning their focus now.

The site dates back to Mughal period, as is evident from the unique brick cells. It is quadrangle and has two towering gates, a press release said.

Under the plan, the brick cells will be rehabilitated with the help of artisans and the locale will be conserved without its originality being lost.

The press release added that the old fire brigade building will be preserved and converted into a City Museum. Whatever had been discovered from Gor Kuthree will be exhibited there with other arts and crafts.

It will also be used as a study area or field by the students of the Archaeology Department, University of Peshawar.