November 25, 2003	Tuesday	Ramazan 29, 1424

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ISLAMABAD, Nov 24: An executive board will be established to work for conservation of the world heritage site of Moenjodaro.

The decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of the culture ministry secretary, Khalid Latif, with Unesco officials here. The meeting discussed a medium-term action plan for protection of Moenjodaro in the framework of the post-campaign strategy of Unesco/government of Pakistan.

The board, comprising the culture ministry secretary, one nominee from Sindh government of the rank of provincial secretary, and one nominee from the Archeology Department, will function at Islamabad.

For the board’s assistance, a technical consultative committee, comprising at least five members of international and national repute, will also be set up. The committee members will have sound knowledge of the complex conservation problems of Moenjodaro site. Unesco had already released funds to the government for preservation of the site. The funds are being utilized through the culture ministry accordingly.

The meeting also decided to recruit competent staff from open market to be posted at the site. For conservation of excavated remains, a laboratory and documentation centre may be established. Emphasis will be laid on plantation and landscaping.

The staff posted at the site is also required to undergo the river training, which may be imparted with the cooperation of the provincial irrigation department. The staff may also be given hardship allowance.

The ministry secretary said the government was very keen to preserve the ancient historical sites, especially Moenjodaro, with Unesco’s cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by Ms Junihaun, Prof Michael Jenson, Unesco director in Pakistan Injeborge Breines, Archaeology and Museum Department director-general Mr Fazaldad, Sindh government archives director Dr Kaleemullah Lashari. Col Sardar Naeem (retired), deputy secretary of the culture ministry, worked as liaison officer.