PESHAWAR: The Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and department of archaeology, University of Peshawar during an ongoing joint excavation on ancient Sikandar South site in Dera Ismail Khan have discovered remains of Indus civilisation.

A team of archaeologists have been engaged in digging on unique site of Sikandar that discovered relics of Sindhi civilisation.

“It is interesting that some areas of DI Khan and Bannu are very rich in archaeological artifacts especially those dating back to Indus civilisation,” said Dr Abdul Samad, the director of archaeology and museums, in a press statement on Wednesday.

The directorate had initiated excavation jointly with archaeology department, University of Peshawar, a month ago. During this one month, some important discoveries of sites dating back to Harapa and Indus valley civilisation period have been made.

Dr Samad, who is also director of this excavation project, said that Gomal valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was rich in archaeology and revealed evidences of the origin of Indus valley civilisation. Excavation at the site had proved that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was birthplace of Indus valley civilisation, he said.

“We have found remains of almost 2600 BC contemporary to Indus valley civilisation,” said Dr Samad. He said that a survey was also completed in Buner wherein hundreds of archaeological sites were registered

Dr Zakirullah of the department of archaeology, Peshawar University said the site of Sikandar South located in DI Khan was unique and eminent.

Azam Khan, the secretary of archaeology and museums, said that provincial government was committed to protect and preserve the ancient archaeological remains and other historic places in the province.

For the purpose, the secretary said, the department had undertaken practical steps for promotion of archaeological heritage. Preservation and protection of ancient sites and places was top priority of the department, he added.

Published in Dawn, November 19th, 2015