PESHAWAR, Nov 25 After destroying the Buddha rock carvings in the volatile northern district, the Swat Museum could be the next target of the militants in the restive valley, the Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC) has warned the NWFP government on Tuesday.

In a letter to the relevant government departments, the STC asked for enhanced security measures to protect the Swat Museum situated on the half-way between Mingora and Saidu Sharif.

“Based on the information received from Swat regarding growing Talibanisation in general and insecurity in Mingora and Saidu Sharif in particular, there is serious threat to the security of Swat Museum,” said a letter written by Managing Director STC Azam Khan. “There are reports which suggest that Swat Museum may be the next target of the militants and artifact smugglers.”

The museum, set up by one of the former rulers of Swat in 1959, initially the museum had the ruling family`s private collection but later it was expanded with the assistance of Japanese government. The major source of attraction in Swat Museum is the Gandhara art and ethnological collection. There are reportedly about 200 objects on display in the museum.

In recent months, the Taliban in Swat burnt down the ski-resort and PTDC Motel at Malam Jabba. They also bombed the Buddha Rock Carvings. There was an international outcry when the Taliban demolished two giant statues of the Buddha in Bamiyan, central Afghanistan, in March 2001. The Kabul museum was also badly damaged during violence and most of the artifacts were stolen due to insecurity and unrest.

The authorities have so far not been able to protect buildings of historic importance in conflict-hit areas in the NWFP so far. The artifact smugglers also pose threat to the heritage as the security situation has deteriorated.

“It is imperative to salvage whatever priceless national heritage we have left in the region,” said the STC official, who demanded that concerned authorities should immediately take necessary action to provide foolproof security to the Swat Museum.

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....