PESHAWAR, April 23: A lively cultural tour of Kotla Mohsin Khan heritage site was arranged by a local NGO here on Wednesday.

A large participation by families was a manifestation of the public concern for local heritage. The site happens to be one of the jewels of Peshawar’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

After a week of angry clouds and incessant rains, a crisp and bright afternoon welcomed the guests. Rows upon rows of traditional charpoys with silk cushions gave the venue a festive look.

The participants of the event were shown around the site comprising two domes (tombs) and the famous gateway by the host Arbab Haleem Mohammed, designer Tariq Jabbar, and other notables of the locality.

It was indeed a refreshing activity in the otherwise drab local cultural scene, where materialism has overtaken such concerns as conservation and heritage since the beginning of the 1980s. One historical building after another has come under the axe of developers and construction mafias turning the city into a graveyard of concrete monstrosities.

The event, organized by Sarhad Conservation Network (SCN), was enriched by traditional music. Children were entertained with colourful balloons. A group of fine arts students turned up with their easels and drawing boards, sketching and painting from different angles.

Arbab Haleem explained: “Although a lot has been written about the significance of the site, the most accurate information can only be provided by the local inhabitants. Our family has in its possession antiquated documents which give a wealth of information about historical importance of this site.”

The area locals looked pleased to see so many people in their midst taking keen interest in the site, which had been neglected so far. Of the original remains of the “Kotla” or “fortified residence” which was present until 1970, only the gateway is in place.

He hoped that a stream of enthusiastic visitors going to the site would create awareness and sensitivity about this prized piece of antiquity, and prevent it from being razed to the ground.

The participants climbed the gateway where they enjoyed a breathtaking view of the Peshawar valley surrounded by majestic hills, in the backdrop of mellow sunset.

One foreign visitor remarked: “I am lucky to be here as I had never before witnessed such a beautiful view of Peshawar and its surrounding hills. It’s a shame that such important places exist in Peshawar but not many are aware of them.”

Dr Murad Ali of the SCN said his organization will arrange more such events to highlight the cause of conservation and to create awareness.

SCN, he said, will facilitate all efforts to conserve and preserve our regional and national cultural heritage.

He appealed to the authorities and citizens of Peshawar to take a more pro-active role for conservation of the walled city.