LAHORE: Embassy of Argentina First Secretary Federico Franceschini recently undertook a three-day visit to the Seraiki areas to immerse himself in the local culture and agriculture.
Dr Moazzam Khan Durrani from the Department of Anthropology at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) facilitated the visit.
Franceschini’s journey began with a visit to the Noor Mahal Museum where Dr Durrani provided an overview of his contributions to the development of the museum and its galleries. The role of the Pakistan army in preserving and conserving the heritage was also discussed, along with the significance of maritime in the past, exemplified by the Indus Queen replica in the Noor Mahal.
The following day was dedicated to exploring Dera Nawab Sahib (Sadiq Garh Palace), the desert, Derawar Fort and Uch. The Argentinean diplomat was astounded by the splendour of Sadiq Garh Palace and its amenities but expressed reservations about the preservation of national heritage.
The guests were left in awe by Derawar Fort, the Jewel of the Cholistan. Despite recent renovations by the Department of Archaeology in Punjab, Franceschini noted that more work needed to be done.
During his visit to Derawar, Dr Durrani provided information on the history of the Abbasid Dynasty and arranged for a visit to Sir Sadiq Muhammad Khan V’s grave at the royal graveyard. The locals also invited Franceschini for a cup of tea, providing him with a glimpse into contemporary society and desert life.
The diplomat also visited Uch where he explored several historical sites and walked through the Old Bazaar.
His visit to the Jamia Masjid Al-Sadiq in Bahawalpur was marked by an overview of the mosque’s architecture and self-sustaining economic model. He was amazed by the local handicraft stores at the ground floor of the mosque and noted that the exceptional craftsmanship in the area was not well-represented internationally.
The final day of the visit kicked off with a tour to the world-famous blue pottery of Multan. The visitors experienced the pottery-making process at the Ustad Alam Blue Pottery Factory and School and explored several shrines. He also visited the well-known Khudaka Masjid at Mohla Afghanan, Multan, built by the close relatives of Ahmed Shah Abdali, the Khudaka Saddozais rulers.
He paid a visit to Ahmed Shah Abdali’s birthplace near Multan’s Abdali Road and the royal graveyard of Afghan Princes (Abdali Road) where he visited Col Mehmood Khan Durrani’s grave (George Cross).
Mr Franceschini stated that the trip provided an opportunity to review specific areas of cooperation between the IUB and educational institutions in Argentina, saying that his country was particularly interested in collaborations that advance agriculture and culture.
Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2024