World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi and her delegation tour the UNESCO-listed ruins of Sirkap and the Taxila Museum during a visit to the ancient heart of Gandharan in Pakistan. PHOTOS: EXPRESS
TAXILA:
A high-level delegation led by World Bank Vice President Mamta Murthi visited the ancient city of Taxila and its internationally renowned archaeological sites to review the historical legacy of the Gandhara civilization, its cultural significance and ongoing preservation efforts.
The delegation began their visit at the Taxila Museum, where they were received by SRO Taxila Deputy Director Muhammad Asim Dogar and Senior Archaeologist Dr Arsalan.
The officials gave a detailed briefing on the museum’s extensive collection of Gandharan artifacts, Buddhist architecture, sculptures and other archaeological treasures.
The delegation was informed that the museum is one of the most important repositories of Gandhian heritage in South Asia and houses sculptures, coins, jewellery, pottery and other rare artefacts dating back thousands of years.
Members of the delegation toured the museum’s galleries and expressed special interest in its unique examples of Gandharan art.
Later, the delegation visited the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sirkap and Dharmarajika Stupa. Archaeologists informed visitors about its historical importance, noting that Sirkap was one of the main urban centers of ancient Taxila, while the Dharmarajika stupa is considered one of the most sacred religious sites in Buddhism.
The delegation also visited the ancient Jaulian Buddhist Monastery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a prominent monument of the heyday of the Gandhara civilization.
The visitors were welcomed by the Director General of Archeology of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Dr. Abdul Samad, who provided them with a comprehensive briefing on the historical importance of the monastery, 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, and that discoveries at the site offered valuable evidence of the intellectual and cultural achievements of the Gandhara civilization.
He said the provincial government and the archeology department are carrying out 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 ongoing efforts to conserve, restore and promote archaeological sites. Members of the delegation emphasized that Pakistan’s cultural heritage has not only national but also global importance and stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation for its preservation.
Experts noted that Taxila and the surrounding archaeological sites reflect a unique mix of Buddhist, Greek, Persian and indigenous civilizations, making the region one of the most important historical centers in the world.
Officials described the World Bank delegation’s visit as a significant step in showcasing Pakistan’s cultural heritage on the global stage and drawing greater international attention to its preservation.
