THATTA: Launching the first heritage preservation project in Sindh, US Ambassador Richard G. Olson on Tuesday announced that more than $260,000 would be spent on the restoration of 400-year-old tombs of Mir Sultan Ibrahim (1556-1592 AD), the ruler of the Turkhan dynasty, and Amir Sultan Muhammad at the Makli necropolis.

Speaking at a ceremony at the necropolis, he described the heritage site as one of the largest cemeteries in the world, and said the US embassy had in the past worked in partnership with the federal and provincial governments on 17 projects in Pakistan and the new one was the first in Sindh.

The US envoy also announced the launch of US ‘Ambassador’s Fund for Culture Preservation (AFCP)’ on the occasion, and said: “Our investments in these culture preservation projects demonstrate our respect for the rich heritage and diversity of Pakistan”.

The ceremony was attended, among others, by US Consul General in Karachi Brian Heath, Sindh Minister for Culture Sharmila Farooqi, Yasmeen Lari of the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, officials of the culture and revenue departments and members of civil society.Mr Olson said that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) had recognised Makli Hill as the world heritage site in 1981. “The AFCP is the centrepiece of US partnership with Pakistan in the area of art and culture,” he added.

He noted that Makli Hills had the tombs of kings, queens, governors, saints, scholars and philosophers who lived here during the 14th to 18th century. “The site attracts heritage-lovers from across the world,” he observed.

The envoy informed the audience that the ambassador’s fund was meant for the projects relating to preservation of heritage sites, cultural objects and forms of traditional cultural expression in more than 100 countries around the world.

The projects included restoration of ancient and historical buildings, conservation of rare manuscripts and museum collections, preservation and protection of important archaeological sites and documentation of vanishing traditional craft techniques and indigenous languages, he added.

Culture Minister Sharmila Farooqi briefed the media about Sindh’s heritage and historical sites and the world renowned figures who lived here. She also highlighted the role of Sufis and Sufism in ensuring peace and harmony among different communities throughout the history of Sindh. She said the PPP leadership had always taken keen interest in the promotion of Sindhi culture and preservation of heritage sites in the province.

Brian Heath also spoke at the ceremony.

She said the Sindh government had approved a sum of Rs450 million for several schemes relating to the conservation of archaeological and heritage sites in the province since the devolution of culture department.

The scheme included construction of a boundary wall around the Makli necropolis to protect it from destruction and encroachments.

She said the government had also chalked out a master plan for Makli in coordination with Unesco.

Published in Dawn, September 17th, 2014