THATTA: The district administration has initiated practical measures for the preservation of Pir Patho Graveyard — a protected heritage site within the historical Banbhor area near Gharo and associated with the ancient Debal settlement.

Thatta Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Ali Bhagat on Monday said that a team of his administration comprising Mirpur Sakro Assistant Commissioner Nabi Bux Solangi and officials of several relevant departments had already carried out a survey of the graveyard and examined condition of the graves and other structures. The team, he said, would prepare a comprehensive report to recommend measures for urgent and necessary work for the rehabilitation and preservation of the entire site. He said the administration would keenly ensure durability and standard of the preservation work.

The DC said that the team was also asked to recommend steps for the proper maintenance of the site and restoration of its original character and heritage value.

He said he had also issued directives for chalking out a comprehensive conservation plan for the site as the Pir Patho graveyard is a very important part of Sindh’s rich cultural heritage.

Mr Bhagat said that he would write to the culture secretary to seek technical assistance and funds for the long-term preservation of the site.

The graveyard has numerous medieval graves, shrines and architectural remains associated with the ancient settlement of Debal and the lower Indus Valley region. Close to it stand the historical Pir Patho Mosque and the watchtower popularly known as the ‘Mohammad Bin Qasim Tower’.

Historians believe that the area must have played a strategic role in trade and river navigation in the region.

The graves and other structures at the heritage site have been crumbling by official neglect, weather ravages, and also, ruthlessness on the part of visitors and encroachers who caused further damage to the archaeological site.

Debal served a major ancient commercial port and medieval city, associated by historians with Banbhore, in 711–712 AD. The site is located about 65 kilomeres east of Karachi.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026