April 18, 2008	Friday	Rabi-us-Sani 11, 1429

TAXILA, April, 17: Security concerns, terrorist activities and law and order situation has resulted in a decrease in the number of tourists to the historical sites in Taxila.

Information gathered by this reporter revealed that the number of foreign visitors at the historical sites such as the remains of Buddhism and Gandhara civilisation remained on the lower side in March and April, considered peak months for foreign tourists.

In 2007 during January to March about 1,268 foreign tourists visited the archeological sites at Taxila and the adjourning Buddhist sites of the valley, while in the current year only 161 tourists came here.

And it has happened despite the fact that the government had declared with much fanfare 2007 as “Visit Pakistan year”, reflecting the concerns of the tourists over the deteriorating security situation.

In 2007, up to August as many as 2,499 foreign tourists and 39,560 local tourists visited the sites compared to 4,614 foreign tourists in 2006.

According to the official data, there is 45 per cent decrease in the foreign tourists and 48 per cent decrease in the local tourists to the archaeological museum and ancient sites. The decrease in the number of tourists to the area also has had impact on the business of the locals who entirely rely upon the tourists.

Talking to this reporter, Deputy Director Department of Archeology and Museums and in charge Taxila Museum Muhammad Bahadur Khan confirmed that the number of foreign visitors had declined this year following a wave of suicide attacks across the country.

He said the number of people coming from abroad had decreased because of the law and order situation in Pakistan.

Responding a question, he said that the department had increased security at the Taxila Museum and that foreign as well as local tourists were being provided foolproof security.

The official said the museum housed rare sculptures of the Buddha, which were attraction for many Buddhists visiting the site.

The Taxila Museum is located 35kilometres from Islamabad on the Grand Trunk Road. The museum’s surroundings are quite scenic and are famous for the remains of Gandhara art. And most of the historical sites at Taxila, dating back to 600 BC to 500 BC, are located around the museum. It is an ideal place to learn about the archaeological significance of the area, archeologists say.

It displays artifacts detailing the daily life of the inhabitants of ancient Taxila. The museum also contains six galleries and original objects found during excavations from time to time.