World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi and her delegation visit the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sirkap and the Taxila Museum during a visit to Pakistan’s ancient Gandharan heartland. PHOTO: EXPRESS
TAXI:
A high-level delegation led by World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi visited the ancient city of Taxila and its internationally recognized archaeological sites to review the historical legacy of the Gandhara civilization, its cultural significance and ongoing conservation efforts.
The delegation began its visit to the Taxila Museum, where it was received by Deputy Director SRO Taxila, Muhammad Asim Dogar, and Senior Archaeologist Dr. Arsalan.
Officials gave a detailed briefing on the museum’s extensive collection of Gandharan artefacts, Buddhist architecture, sculpture and other archaeological treasures.
The delegation was informed that the museum is one of South Asia’s most significant repositories of Gandharan heritage, housing thousands of years old sculptures, coins, jewellery, ceramics and other rare artefacts.
Members of the delegation visited the galleries of the museum and expressed special interest in its unique examples of Gandharan art.
The delegation later visited the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sirkap and Dharmarajika Stupa. Archaeologists briefed visitors on their historical significance, noting that Sirkap was one of the main urban centers of ancient Taxila, while the Dharmarajika Stupa is considered one of Buddhism’s holiest religious sites.
The delegation also visited the ancient Jaulian Buddhist monastery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a prominent monument from the height of the Gandhara civilization.
The visitors were received by the Director General of Archeology Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Abdul Samad, who gave a comprehensive briefing on the monastery’s historical significance, archaeological research, conservation and restoration projects and tourism potential.
Dr. Abdul Samad told the delegation that Jaulian had served as an important center of Buddhist learning and religious activity, with discoveries at the site providing valuable evidence of the intellectual and cultural achievements of the Gandhara civilization.
He said the provincial government and the archeology department were pursuing various initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the historical heritage of the region at the international level.
During the visit, the World Bank delegation praised the ongoing efforts to preserve, restore and promote the archaeological sites. Members of the delegation emphasized that Pakistan’s cultural heritage has not only national but also global significance and emphasized the need to strengthen international cooperation to preserve it.
Experts noted that Taxila and its surrounding archaeological sites reflect a unique blend of Buddhist, Greek, Persian and indigenous civilizations, making the region one of the world’s most important historical centers.
Officials described the World Bank delegation as an important step towards showcasing Pakistan’s cultural heritage on the global stage and attracting greater international attention to its preservation.
