LAHORE:
The monsoon floods in the foothills of the Sulaiman mountain range have discovered centenary treasures of age buried in the depths of the soil, bringing the rare currencies and ancient artifacts that reaffirm the historical role of the region as a cultural and commercial corridor.
A special archeology team led by Deputy Director Salman Tanveer, together with the deputy commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan, Muhammad Usman Khalid, and the political assistant Amir Taimoor, visited Sakhi Sarwar, where local residents delivered between 400 and 500 coins to the officials.
The treasure was delivered to the district administration voluntarily for its preservation, according to officials. The authorities also announced that certificates of thanks and rewards for the cooperation of residents would be recommended.
“The discovery will help highlight the historical and cultural importance of the region worldwide, raiding the path for tourism, research and local employment opportunities,” said the attached commissioner Usman Khalid.
The Saleman Tanveer archeology official added that systematic excavations and research probably reveal more patrimonial material. He said that recommendations are being made to develop the site both in a research center and in a tourist attraction.
The experts, who examined the recovered currencies, said they find a broad spectrum of times and empires: the Mogoles, Tughlaqs, Sikh Rule, Kushan King Vima Deva Kaniska, Durrani and Lodi Dynsties, the British period, as well as Coins de Nadir Shah, Bahadura Shas Zafar, Central Asia and the world.
This diversity, they argue, demonstrates that Dera Ghazi Khan was historically a key commercial and cultural exchange center. “This area is a unique cultural center. Once it served as a vital passage for the old commercial caravans,” said attached commissioner Usman Khalid.
