PESHAWAR, Feb 21: The Archaeology & Museums Department is working on a project to make Takht Bhai, a beautiful Buddhist monastery of Gandhara, as the world's best archaeological site of Gandhara civilization.

"We are working on a project to restore, develop and conserve Takht Bhai monastery,"informed Abdul Azeem, Assistant Director of the department.

"Located about 14km northwest of Mardan, the historic remains on a huge hill top have been listed by Unesco as the monuments of the world heritage," he added.

Talking to APP, Mr Azeem said the focus of the project was to develop the already exposed sites of Takht Bhai and to excavate the remaining monuments.

The project was launched in 2003 and will be completed in five year, he said.

Adding that this is the mega project of the department under which eight sites in NWFP would be restored and conserved.

Other sites to be developed include Gorghateri in Peshawar, Jamal Ghari, Shigardar Stupa, Buth Kara One, Buth Kara Three, Panr and Saidu Stupa.

Presently excavation is in progress at some secular buildings in the west of already exposed sites of Takht Bhai and about seven houses have also been excavated, he added.

The department, he said, is also working on acquisition of land for preservation of the site and setting up of a park in its vicinity.

A small museum will also be constructed to display antiques, sculpture and other relevant material on the Gandhara period.

He said the site dates back from 200 BC to 500 AD and is scattered over an area of 32.9 hectares.

The monastery, he added, was first mentioned in 1836 by general court, the French officer of Maharajah Ranjit Sing.

The remains are the most astounding, exciting and imposing relics of Buddhism in Pakistan.-APP