THATTA: An Italian couple who had arrived in Thatta the other day to research on the mausoleum of Jam Nizamuddin, famous ruler of Samma dynasty of Sindh, became so fed up with ‘unnecessarily intrusive police security’ and nonchalant officials of the archeology department that they decided to return immediately.

Mr Koko and his partner complained to caretaker minister for archaeology Arshad Wali Khan who came across them during his visit of the Makli necropolis against the annoying treatment meted out to him and his female colleague during their research work on the necropolis.

“The atmosphere otherwise is very peaceful here but I am displeased and dismayed at the behaviour of local police,” he said, accusing police of disturbing the research work.

He said that they would have learned a great deal had the police not intervened in the course of their work hence they had decided to quit the research and return to their country (Italy).

The couple told local reporters that they would make special mention in their articles of the hospitality of people of Thatta and the hardships and mental disturbance they had to bear with owing to unnecessary police interference and nonprofessional attitude of the archeology department.

“We are here for the first and the last time,” said the perturbed couple, adding that if Pakistan wanted to promote tourism it must give tourists a free hand during their research work and uninterrupted access to historical places.

Mr Koko said that he came to know about the historical site through different articles on the internet and embarked on his journey but here he received the shock of his life after experiencing the worst form of administration.

Minister cold-shouldered by officials

Meanwhile, security personnel and officials of the archeology department reportedly remained absent during the minister’s visit.

He had to struggle to reach the grave of Shaheed Dulah Dariya Khan, a famous worrier of Sindh’s history, in Makli necropolis.

He had to wait for around two hours outside the grave enclosure for some official to open the gate. When no official came, he asked a watchman to break open the door. The scene was witnessed by a large number of locals who had by then gartered at the grave site, according to sources.

The director archeology has issued a show-cause notice to the staff concerned for negligence in their duties.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2023