ISLAMABAD – Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz has said that Pakistan is a cradle of ancient civilisations and offers immense potential for bringing the people in the region closer.
At the launch of ‘Ancient Pakistan’ exhibition here at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sartaj said that the objective of the event was to introduce the country’s rich heritage and culture to the world. He said that Pakistan being located at the crossroads of South, Central and West Asia, could promote regional ties through culture.
Sartaj along with Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rasheed jointly inaugurated the three-day exhibition, where relics of Gandhara, Indus Valley and Mohenjo-daro and Harappa civilisations have been put on display. Pervaiz said that the exhibition would help promote the country’s positive image abroad.
He said that Pakistan was a prehistoric land and the contribution of ancient Pakistan to the development of human civilization was well recognised around the world. He also expressed satisfaction over the collaboration among the provincial archaeological departments for holding of exhibition.
Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi said that the old civilisation of Pakistan projects such tolerance and accommodation that it leaves one in wonder. He said that being the inheritors of such a tolerant and cultured civilisation, there lays a responsibility upon them for carrying forward this legacy.
On the occasion, Foreign Affairs Secretary Aizaz Chaudhry said that the exhibition would help the world know about the rare and precious seven thousand-years-old civilisation. He appreciated the ambassadors for taking interest in holding similar exhibitions in their countries to highlight and promote Pakistan’s ancient civilisation.
The event was attended by artists and diplomats based in Islamabad. The exhibition carried an evidence of Palaeolithic culture which had been recorded near Islamabad, Loralai, Musakhel, Dhok Pathan, Kund, Hyderabad, Rohri, Jamal Garhi and Khairpur. The exhibition will continue till May 11.
