CS orders for preservation of historical and cultural sites in the province

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has ordered formulating a strategy for preservation and rehabilitation of archeological, historical and cultural sites in the province.

He was presiding over a meeting of Board of Governors of Punjab Heritage Foundation here on Wednesday. The meeting discussed, in detail, the administrative and financial matters of Punjab Heritage Foundation.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary, who is the Vice-Chairman of Punjab Heritage Foundation, said that all possible steps will be taken for preservation and rehabilitation of historical and cultural sites as these are national asset. He said that there is a need to enhance awareness among people regarding the preservation of buildings, sites and objects of historical importance. “Protection of historical and cultural heritage is our national duty”, he added.

The Chief Secretary also directed the relevant departments to work hard for ensuring protection of sites of archeological, historical and cultural importance and seek help of international agencies for this purpose.

DG Archeology Dr Ismat Tahira told the meeting that 400 monuments have been listed as historical heritage in Punjab. Archeologist Dr Mehmood Hussain said that Archeology Department has not included all archeological sites in its list; there is a need to add more historical sites to this list.

The meeting was attended by MPA Rana Muhammad Arshad, MPA Sadia Suhial Rana, Secretaries of Finance, Auqaf, Local Government departments, Director Lahore Museum, former NCA Principal Sajida Vandal and others.