PESHAWAR: Jong Hwan Song, Ambassador Republic of Korea in Pakistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister of Archaeology, Sports, Youth Affairs, Mehmood Khan formally inaugurated the three-day International conference to discuss the latest archeological findings and discoveries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in Islamabad Friday.
The conference titled ‘Recent Discoveries in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and their Impact on the history of the region’, has been organized by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Eminent archeologists and researchers from various universities of the country, along with other part of the world, were participating in the conference.
Besides, High officials from Federal Ministry of Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Integration, Director Archaeology and Museums, Government of KP, Dr Abdul Samad, conference secretary, Habibullah Khan Khattak, a large number of local and foreign delegates, prominently from US, UK, Germany, Italy Korea and Afghanistan, were attending the inaugural ceremony.
As many as 70 research papers will be presented by archeologists and researchers of various universities of Pakistan and other countries, during the conference.
Dr Abdul Samad in his presentation briefed the participants about the rich archeological heritage of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, saying that a comprehensive policy being evolved to preserve and protect the archeological sites and places in the province.
He informed that initiatives have been made to carryout excavations on archeological sites through modern techniques and methods. He also mentioned about the latest discoveries in various parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Jong Hwan Song said Pakistan and Korean bounded with cordial relations, which are deep rooted in history. He added both countries have excellent bilateral relations in the political, economic, trade, cultural, and educational fields.
He said the cultural relations between Korea and Pakistan will further cement our cultural bonds and to revive the ancient glory and academic excellence of our heritage.
“Our goals are to strengthen diplomatic ties between the governments of Korea and Pakistan, enhance cultural interaction between the people of Korea and Pakistan and to promote trade, investment and commerce between our friendly countries”, the envoy said. He attributed that Buddhism nurtures in Republic of Korean through the rich Gandhara region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Provincial Minister said the government was giving top priority to repair, renovation and preservation of archaeological heritage, and historical buildings in the province. He informed the plan has chalked out to protect and preserve all ancient places and building in benefiting manner.
Mehmood Khan expressed the hope that the conference will provide opportunity to share their experience and acknowledge among archaeologists and researchers, which could be beneficial for excavations on archaeological sites and historic buildings.
“KP is rich in archeological heritage, the Minister said. He added his government had spent millions of rupees to preservation and conservation of the archaeological heritage in the province. Earlier, the conference secretary, Habibullah Khan Khattak elaborated the main features and objectives of the event.
