[MSN] Pakistan. Call for protection of Sindh's cultural wealth

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Call for protection of Sindh's cultural wealth 
 
 
By our correspondent

HYDERABAD: The Centre for Environment and Development (CEAD) has expressed
concern over the ongoing activity in the Pir Lakho graveyard, an
archaeological site in Thatta district. 

In a special meeting here on Saturday the CEAD representatives said the
authorities are engaged in the destruction of the archaeological sites. 

It was decided that court would be moved to halt the damage being done to
the Pir Lakho site and a committee was formed to undertake preparatory work
in this regard. 

The CEAD representatives said theft of antiquities is increasing and the
weak state infrastructure can neither prevent it nor it is able to punish
those engaged in this activity. 

They said political will is required to save the cultural wealth of Sindh.

The CEAD representatives appealed to the authorities concerned in the pubic
sector and Unesco to take notice of the ongoing mining/quarrying in the Pir
Lakho site in Thatta district. 

They said environmental impact assessment, which is mandatory under the
Pakistan Environment Protection Act, 1997, should be undertaken in any such
activity. 

The Antiquities Act, 1975 and the Sindh Cultural Heritage Preservation Act,
1994 are considered quite effective and comprehensive and these should be
implemented in true spirit, they said. 

http://www.thenews.com.pk/