PESHAWAR: A five-member delegation of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation visited the directorate of archaeology and museums here on Wednesday, where they were briefed about the ongoing and upcoming projects and the research being conducted at the Digital Heritage Centre.

Director archaeology and museums Dr Abdul Samad told the delegation that Peshawar was the oldest living city in South Asia with a documented history of over 2,500 and carried a unique distinction of being a custodian of eight to 10 ancient civilizations, including Gandhara.

Dr Samad said the recent scientific excavation at the historical Gor Khatri had disclosed that Peshawar was the oldest living city in South Asia inhabited by humans with diversified culture, language and architecture.

He said Peshawar Museum was one of the world’s largest museums of Gandhara art. “The conservation of its British-era building was almost complete with an estimated cost of Rs20 million, which would soon be opened for general public,” he said.

“The museum currently houses 40,000 rare antiquities and artifacts besides the complete life story of Lord Buddha, attracting Buddhists and monks from across the world,” he added.

Dr Samad said conservation work of the historical building of Masjid Mohabat Khan had been complete and efforts were underway to renovate it in its original shape.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2022