December 09, 2006	Saturday	Ziqa'ad 17, 1427

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KARACHI, Dec 8: The federal government has directed a multinational mobile phone company to immediately stop construction work on a tower in Moenjodaro, the country’s most important archaeological site protected under the Antiquities Act, 1975.

The construction came to notice during a visit by an international monitoring team from Unesco that had come to review the conservation steps being taken at the over 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilisation in Moenjodaro which has also been declared a world heritage site.

Sources said the company was erecting a huge tower to install boosters and other equipment to strengthen its wireless communication in the area.

A strongly-worded communication sent to the company said: “This is to inform you that the land on which you are constructing and installing the booster/instrument is the property of the department of archaeology and museums, government of Pakistan, whereas Moenjodaro is a protected site. According to Antiquity Act 1975 Sections 18, 19, and 21, new construction, destruction and damage, etc., in the protected area are strictly prohibited. It is illegal to trespass in the protected area of Moenjodaro. You are hereby directed to stop work immediately.”

Responding to Dawn’s queries, federal archaeology department’s Sindh chief Qasim Ali Qasim said the construction at the site had been stopped and notices had been issued to the telecommunication company.

The matter has also been reported to the area police who have been asked to assist the department officials if illegal construction resumes at the site. “An inquiry has also been initiated and stern action will be taken against those found responsible,” Mr Qasim added.