KARACHI, June 17: The Department of Archaeology and Museums has illegally shifted a large number of early Mughal era artefacts from Karachi to Sher Shah Suri Museum at Rohtas Fort in Jehlum, it is learnt here reliably.

According to the highly placed sources, the artefacts have been shifted without getting the mandatory written orders from the departmental head and the Sindh High Court. The shifting of any artefacts from Karachi without prior permission of the Sindh High Court is not allowed, as per earlier court orders on a petition.

These artefacts were put on display at the Rohtas Fort in an exhibition recently inaugurated by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the sources said, adding that probably the prime minister was not aware of the fact that the artefacts on display had been brought there illegally.

The sources said that Director-General Dr Fazaldad Kakar knew that he could not order the shifting of artefacts from Karachi. Instead of giving the written orders, he directed his subordinates on telephone for the shifting of artefacts.

On the issue, a letter was written by superintendent in charge Sarwat Baig, who sits at the National Museum of Pakistan at Karachi, to the director-general requesting him to grant the permission so that it could come in writing and become official.

The letter “Request for early Mughal era artefacts for the Museum Sher Shah Suri”, says, “I have the honour to refer to your office letter No 39/1/2006-Arch (P-1), Islamabad, dated March 21, 2006 and the telephone instructions dated April 17, 2006 on the above noted subject… please find enclosed a list of artefacts selected from the National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi for temporary display in the Museum at Rohtas Fort which are being dispatched to Islamabad through Ejaz Ellahi, Assistant Curator, National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi.

“In this connection, it is requested that a formal approval for handing over the same to the concerned museum authorities may please be accorded. Yours faithfully, Sarwat Baig, superintendent in charge.”

CARGO HELD: An investigation agency operating at the Quetta Airport has held a plane suspecting that it is carrying some historical artefacts – arms, draggers etc.