MINGORA: Italian Ambassador to Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo has said that archaeological mission of his country will continue research and excavation work in the scenic Swat valley.

He was addressing launching ceremony of a video documentary series on ancient Uddiyana Kingdom in Saidu Sharif during his visit to Swat on Monday night.

The video series titled “Uddiyana Da Tareekh Panra (Uddiyana a page from history)” is aimed at raising awareness about the history and importance of the ancient Uddiyana, the present day Swat valley, among local people.

Apart from large number of civil society members and culture activists, head of Italian Archaeological Mission Dr Luca Maria Olivieri, Elisa Lori, and an official of provincial archaeology department Niaz Ali Shah also attended the event.

Envoy says Italy and Pakistan enjoy friendship

Mr Pontecorvo said that Swat was rich both in archaeology and natural beauty.

“I am really impressed by seventh century Jahanabad Buddha. It is really an important historical monument. I am happy that Italian Archeological Mission restored it,” he said.

The Italian ambassador said that Italy and Pakistan enjoyed long term friendship. He said that Italy would continue supporting archaeological excavations and research in Swat. He also praised hospitality of people of Swat.

Earlier, Mr Pontecorvo visited Swat Museum and Jahanabad Buddha site.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Luca Maria Olivieri said that owing to its archaeological treasure and rich culture heritage, Swat had immense importance in South Asia.

He thanked Pakistan government for honouring him with Sitar-i-Imtiaz.

Shaukat Ali, the organiser of the function, presented traditional Swati cap and shawl to the Italian ambassador and his wife.

BOOKS: The local education activists here on Tuesday distributed Pashto books among students of private schools.

The books were distributed among students of different private schools by Khpal Watan Organisation, which works for promotion of Pashto language in the area. “As it is clear to all that our young generation, particularly students of private schools, can’t read and write Pashto language. So, we want them to learn reading and writing of their mother tongue along with other languages,” said Dr Jawad Iqbal, an education activist.

He said that he was happy that some of the private schools had started teaching Pashto language.

Sidra Naaz, a girl student who got the books, told Dawn that she was determined to learn reading and writing of Pashto language. “I got some general books as I want to study them to learn about Pashto literature and its history,” she said.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2017