KARACHI: An important decision of the Sindh government to protect the buildings declared as archeology and heritage, a fund of one billion rupees has been established.
According to an official information, the first meeting of the board established for the Endowment Fund for Archaeological Sites and Heritage Buildings under the chairmanship of Sindh Minister for Education, Culture and Antiquities Syed Sardar Shah was held in his office in Karachi on Monday. At the meeting, Shah said that the endowment fund will help in ensuring the preservation, repair, restoration and maintenance of archaeological sites and heritage buildings.
He said that the private sector’s participation in the endowment fund will also be welcomed. The provincial minister directed that a policy should be made for various institutions and companies to invest in that fund under corporate social responsibility. He said that he would also invite international organizations to contribute to the fund established for the protection of our heritage.
The Sindh culture minister said that the Endowment Fund for Archaeological Sites and Heritage Buildings would not be limited to sites or buildings only, but a policy would also be made to use that fund for the protection and research purposes of other cultural sectors of Sindh. The fund would also be able to support cultural talent promotion, training and research, he added.
Shah said that protection of archaeological and heritage buildings was not possible on the basis of ADP schemes alone, as sometimes due to lack of funds, archaeological sites had been damaged due to lack of timely work. The culture minister said that there were many individuals and organizations in the society who wanted to work for the protection of the national heritages, and they would also be given the opportunity. He further stated that the Board would also be responsible for seeking the help of certified scientific laboratories for research on antiquities.
The meeting was informed that Rs250 million had been released by the Sindh government for the endowment fund for archaeological sites and heritage buildings in the current financial year. On this occasion, the provincial minister directed that a technical supervisory committee should also be formed to implement the board’s decisions.
Secretary Culture Naseem Al Ghani Sohto, Director General Antiquities and Archeology Manzoor Ahmad Kanasro, Dr. Kaleem Lashari and others participated as members on this board. The notification of the Board of Endowment Fund established by the Government of Sindh for the protection of archaeological sites and heritage buildings was issued on November 8, 2022.