Lahore:
Monsoon flooding at the foot of the Sulaiman series has revealed centuries-old treasures buried deep underground, bringing bright rare coins and old objects to confirm the region’s historic role as a cultural and commercial corridor.
A special archaeology team led by Deputy Director Salman Tanveer together with Dera Ghazi Khan -Vice Commissioner Muhammad Usman Khalid and political assistant Amir Taimoor visited Sakhi Sarwar, where local residents handed over 400 and 500 coins to the officials.
Trove was voluntarily given to the district administration for its preservation, according to the officials. Authorities also announced that certificates for appreciation and rewards would be recommended for residents’ cooperation.
“The discovery will help highlight the historical and cultural significance of the region worldwide and pave the way for tourism, research and local employment opportunities,” said Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid.
Archeology’s official Salman Tanveer added that systematic excavations and research wold probably reveal more heritage material. He said that recommendations are made to develop the site for both a research center and a tourist attraction.
Experts who examined the recovered coins said they find a wide spectrum of eras and empires – mughals, tughlaqs, Sikh rule, Kushan King Vmae Deva Canka, Durrani and Lodi Dynasties, the British period, as well as coins from Nadir Shah, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Centralasen and the Area.
They claim that this diversity proves that Dera Ghazi Khan was historically an important center of trade and cultural exchange. “This area is a unique cultural hub. It once acted as an important passage for old trade caravans,” noted Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid.
