MARDAN: Foreign diplomats along with their families visited the Takht Bhai archaeological sites here on Saturday.

Provincial minister Mohammad Atif Khan also accompanied them.

On the occasion, director archaeology Dr Abdul Samad briefed the foreigners about the historical sites and their preservation.

The delegation comprised Mr Leopoldo, Ambassador of Argentina, Mr Suh Sangpyo, Ambassador of South Korea, Mr Manuel Duran, Ambassador of Spain, Mr Mohammed Karmoune, Ambassador of Morocco, and other foreign guests.

The diplomats appreciated the steps taken by the provincial government to preserve archaeological sites and promote religious tourism. They promised encouraging their countrymen to visit these historical and religious sites of Buddhist community.

On the occasion, Mr Atif told the delegates and mediapersons that Pakistan was a beautiful country having attractive and historical places like Takht Bhai.

“The government is taking measures to create employment opportunities through promotion of religious tourism,” he said.

The minister said under a Rs700 million World Bank project, a museum, souvenir shops, a park and a cafeteria were being constructed at the Takht Bhai site. He said the provincial government was constructing a mega park on a 400 kanal of land on the Mardan Ring Road. He also claimed three playgrounds had been completed in different parts of the district.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2022