ISLAMABAD: The National Heritage and Cultural Division on Thursday informed the National Assembly that at least Rs27.8 million were spent on “refurbishment, maintenance, preservation and restoration” of three archaeological sites namely Ban Faqiran Stupa, Shah Allah Ditta Caves, and Rawat Fort during the tenure of the previous government.
Out of these three projects, the Ban Faqiran Stupa project was completed at a cost of Rs4 million whereas Rs432,000 were spent on Shah Allah Ditta Caves during the said period.
In response to a written question asked by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb in the question-hour session, the National Heritage and Culture Division minister informed that Rs 23.48 million has been spent on Rawat Fort so far.
“It [Rawat Fort] is on-going project and will be completed in June 2024. [The] total cost of the project is Rs 71,500, 000 (71.5 million) and the amount Rs 23.48 million spent up to April 2022[when the PTI government was removed through a no-confidence motion].
Rawat Fort project to be completed in June 2024 to cost Rs71.5m
Former prime minister Imran Khan in 2019 had directed the preservation of these caves along with the other sites.
The minister also informed that there were 38 archaeological sites in the Islamabad Capital Territory that were explored by the department. The house was further told that there was no “tourist resort under the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad”.
An official of the archaeological department said that Islamabad houses Shah Allah Ditta caves – frequently visited by tourists, especially those belonging to Buddhist countries.
“The caves and rock shelters were first brought into use by human beings during the Stone Age. The caves of Shah Allah Ditta are Pakistan’s heritage and there is a need to preserve them for promoting tourism in the country,” the official added.
Sharing the details of the archaeological sites in Islamabad, the minister said that there were 38 sites in the federal capital.
These sites are Rawal Dam Mound; Mohra Malhar Graveyard; Said Pur Temple Complex; Rawal Dam Temple; Kuri Baradari; British Army Memorial; Saqa Mound; Ancient Well (Saqa); Ancient Ruined Mosque; Nogazi Mound; Rock Shelter (Mohrian); Ancient Well (Mohrian); Jamia Mosque, Kuri; Dhok Lashura Mound; Pehunt Mound; Pehunt Mound-II; Mohrian Mound-I; Mohrian Mound-II; Chhaper Mound-I; Chhaper Mound-II; Rehara Mosque; Rehara Mound; Kuri Mound; Chang Well; Golra Railway Station; Golra Sharif Temple; Sector G-12 Pond; Chattar Shrines; Tumair Rock Shelter; Facto Cement Factory; Ban Faqira Water Tank; Zinda Wali Bethak or Bari Imam Bethak; Rock Shelter G-13; Rock Shelter Rawal Lake; Malpur site; Shrine of Hazrat Bari Imam (R.A); Shrine of Meher Ali Shah (Golra Sharif); and Sangjani Tunnel.
Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2022
