RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR: A three-day international conference to discuss the latest archaeological findings and discoveries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa began on Friday.

The conference titled “Recent discoveries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and their impact on the history of the region,” being organized by Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Eminent archaeologists and researchers from various universities of the country, along with other part of the world are participating in the conference.

Jong Hwan Song, Ambassador Republic of Korea in Pakistan, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister of Archaeology, Sports, Youth Affairs, Mehmood Khan formally inaugurated the conference during a ceremony held at local hotel in Islamabad.

Federal Joint Secretary Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Integration, S M Imran Gardezi, KP Director Archaeology and Museums, Dr Abdul Samad, Conference Secretary, Habibullah Khan Khattak, a large number of local and foreign delegates, prominently from US, UK, Germany, Italy Korea and Afghanistan attended the inaugural ceremony.

As many as 70 research papers will be presented by archaeologists and researchers of various universities of Pakistan and other countries, during the conference.

Dr Abdul Samad in his presentation briefed the participants about the rich archaeological heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said that a comprehensive policy being evolved to preserve and protect the archaeological sites and places in the province.

He informed that initiatives have made to carryout excavations on archaeological sites through modern techniques and methods. He also mentioned about the latest discoveries in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Jong Hwan Song while speaking as the chief guest on the occasion said that Pakistan and Korean bounded with cordial relations and both countries have excellent bilateral relations in the political, economic, trade, cultural, and educational fields.

He said the cultural relations between Korea and Pakistan is further cement our cultural bonds and to revive the ancient glory and academic excellence of our heritage.

“Our goals are to strengthen diplomatic ties between the governments of Korea and Pakistan, enhance cultural interaction between the people of Korea and Pakistan and to promote trade, investment and commerce between our friendly countries”, he said.

Provincial Minister Mehmood Khan said the government is giving top priority to repair, renovation and preservation of archaeological heritage, and historical buildings in the province.

He informed the plan has chalked out to protect and preserve all ancient places and building in benefiting manner.

“KP is rich in archaeological heritage and the government has spent millions of rupees for preservation and conservations of the archaeological heritage in the province,” the minister added.

Earlier, Conference Secretary Habibullah Khan Khattak elaborated the main features and main objectives of the event.