Unesco urged to save ancient sites in Mastuj

Report Bashir Hussain Azad, Chitral

Public representatives and social circles including Noor Wali Shah, Zaffarullah, Maj (r) Ahmed Said, Rehmat Ghafoor Baig and Bulbul have asked Unesco and the archaeology department aswell as Hazara University to save the important archaeological site of Lakhapo Dok in Mastuj from the land mafia who want to construct a rest house on it.

Addressing a press conference here, they said on the plateau of Lakhap, the remains of the Gandhara grave culture have been found by the archaeologists which are of rare nature. They said the archaeological sites should be preserved as national cultural heritage and their excavation must be carried out so that the history of the people could be traced on scientific lines. They said the archaeology department of Hazara University is busy in the excavation of such sites in many parts of the district and Mastuj was yet to be included in their list. They said some quarters in the district had aborted it and wanted to raise a rest house at the site. They said the construction over the archaeological treasure will be a great national loss of heritage. They also urged the Unesco high-ups to protect the sites and include it in world heritage.--Chitraltoday.com