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ISLAMABAD, Jan 13 (APP):In a major step toward safeguarding Pakistan’s invaluable cultural legacy, the Department of Archaeology and Museums, under the National Heritage and Culture Division, organized a high-level official visit to the Buddha Caves at Shah Allah Ditta Caves, located in the Margalla Hills along the historic route leading to the ancient city of Taxila.
Dating back nearly 2,400 years, the site stands as a powerful testament to the region’s rich Buddhist, Hindu, and Islamic heritage.
The visit and overall coordination of efforts were led by Ms Farah Naz Akbar, Parliamentary Secretary, National Heritage and Culture Division, who also formed part of the official delegation. Her leadership ensured effective inter-departmental collaboration and a focused review of preservation priorities at this historically significant site.
The distinguished delegation comprised Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Federal Minister; Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, Federal Secretary; Mr. Amanullah, Director General, Department of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM); and Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, Focal Person to the Chairman, Prime Minister Youth Program.
During the visit, Mr. Muhammad Azeem Project Director DoAM Islamabad brief the participants for ongoing conservation and restoration initiatives and participants closely examined the recently explored Buddhist stupa at site. As a result of systematic documentation, conservation, and restoration activities, the retaining walls of the ancient Buddhist caves have emerged, unveiling critical structural features and significantly enhancing understanding of the site’s original historical layout.
The visit underscored the Government’s unwavering commitment to the preservation, protection, and restoration of Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage, reaffirming its resolve to safeguard these globally significant archaeological assets and to promote cultural understanding, heritage tourism, and historical scholarship for generations to come.
On the occasion, the Federal Minister emphasized that Pakistan’s cultural heritage is a national trust and urged all stakeholders to play their role in ensuring its preservation for future generations.