Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah. —File photo

KARACHI: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday announced a grant of Rs 100 million for immediate repair of parts of Moenjodaro archaeological site, damaged during recent torrential rains.

Speaking at the Moenjodaro Conference organised by Sindh Department of Culture in collaboration with UNESCO, he said the government was keen to keep intact the thousands of years- old civilisation.

“This is a precious heritage that we share with the world not only as a part of the globe but also as its custodian,” said the Chief Minister.

Syed Qaim Ali Shah regretted that rapid changes registered in the global climate had made the task of conservation of archaeological sites extremely difficult.

He said it’s was Shaheed Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto who had arranged the first International Moenjodaro Conference in 1974 and had introduced the world to the treasure.

“Consequently we managed to attract people that were a much needed booster for our tourism industry,” he said.

The Chief Minister said under the 18th constitutional amendment provinces would be responsible to look after their historical and archaeological sites.

Sindh government is keen to coordinate with concerned international agencies for fool proof conservation and protection of the heritage, he said.

“We will also continue our cooperation with the federal government and would make joint efforts for proper projection of these sites on the global level,” he said.

Syed Qaim Ali Shah said this was needed to promote a soft image of the country.

Sindh Minister for Culture, Ms Sassui Palejo said the ruins of the ancient civilisation came to be known in 1922, during excavation of a mound and discovery of a statue of dancing doll, carts, seals, pebbles and coins.

She said the 18th amendment in the constitution has enabled Sindh to take care of the site, an integral part of its heritage, after a lapse of 64 years.

Sassi Palejo said there were various historical sites in the province and the provincial government had allocated a substantial amount for their conservation.

The Minister expressed her gratitude to UNESCO for its support in holding the conference.

The Conference was also attended by Director of UNESCO – Pakistan, Kozue Kay Nagate, Expert Michael Johnson, Provincial Minister and other prominent members of the society.