DERA GHAZI KHAN: A state-of-the-art museum is set to be established in Rajanpur to preserve the district’s rich heritage and paleontological discoveries. Known as a hub of historical and natural significance, the trans-Indus district boasts a wealth of archaeological and fossil sites.

The initiative follows a large-scale survey conducted by the Department of Archaeology at the request of Rajanpur Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shafqatullah Mushtaq. Among the sites visited by the team was the ancient Harrand Fort, regarded as the last outpost of the 20th satrapy of the Iranian Kingdom under King Darius, predating Christ.

Speaking to Dawn, DC Mushtaq revealed plans to establish the museum to document and safeguard Rajanpur’s natural and human history. He highlighted the district’s notable archaeological sites and significant fossil finds, including ancient herbivorous animal remains.

A significant paleontological find was recently made in the Tuman Gorchani area of Tehsil Jampur, where a fossilized jaw, an ancient herbivore, was unearthed by Border Military Police (BMP) official Sher Baz Chaang. The fossil was handed over to the DC through BMP Commandant Qasim Gill.

The region, known for its rich geological history, has previously yielded fossils of marine life and prehistoric creatures. Earlier, a mammoth tusk was discovered in Sakhi Sarwar and is now preserved at the Zoology Department of Ghazi University.

Local zoologist and paleontologist Umer Waqas speculated that the fossil likely belonged to a juvenile Balochitherium

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024