LARKANA: US Consul Gene­ral in Karachi Grace Shelton and the embassy’s deputy chief of mission Jonathan Pratt visited Moen­jo­­daro on Thursday and expressed their amazement at seeing the 5,000-year-old ‘college’ at the ancient site, which showed the city dwellers’ belief in education.

According to a press release issued by the Karachi consulate office, Mr Pratt said: “For me, the most interesting part of our visit was seeing Moenjodaro’s 5,000- year-old college. The people of Moenjodaro clearly belie­v­ed in education and access to education is still a key to any society’s advancement.

“Today, Sindh is host to a number of excellent colleges and universities which are educating the next generation of Pakistani leaders. Pakistan’s sense of history and culture as a unifying force is becoming all the more important in the wake of last week’s cruel attacks,” he said.

Mr Pratt and other members of the delegation also visited the museum and took keen interest in the artefacts. A museum official briefed the guests about the archaeological treasure.

Recording their comments in the visitors’ book at the museum, Ms Shelton said: “Moenjodaro is the treasure, rich history of Sindh and Pakistan, (which) has lessons for the world. Thank you, for the wonderful tour and sharing with us. It is truly amazing,” she said.

Larkana Mayor Moham­mad Aslam Shaikh presented traditional gifts of Sindhi cap, ajrak and rilli (traditional bed-sheet or cover sewn together into beautiful designs from colourful patches) to the visiting dignitaries.

The guests also witnessed traditional dance and performance of drumsters near the museum and presented a book Railroads across North America to the mayor.

Earlier, Mr Pratt and Ms Shel­ton met Dr Abdul Fatah Chandio, director of Quaid-i-Awam Univer­sity of Engineering, Science and Technology, Larkana campus, and students, and Ms Shazia Manzar, secretary general of Gomibai Jawharmal Ladies Club.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2017