Project scrapped after relics found in Harappa

After the discovery of key relics and new artefacts from land where giant swings were to be installed at the historical site of Harappa, the amusement park project has been scrapped.

The artefacts were uncovered as digging began for the controversial theme park close to the remains of one of the world's oldest cities.

The discovery has also led to a storm, with evidence suggesting no proper survey of the area had been conducted before sanctioning of the project, in direct violation of rules.

It is believed top heads of the Ministry of Culture and Archaeology Department are set to roll after the reports of the findings.

5,000-year-old priceless objects of the Indus civilisation, like mother deity, statues of countless deities, bulls, toys for children, wheels, pottery and bangles are among the relics uncovered. An inquiry has been ordered.

Archaeologists believe these discoveries might give new insight about the nature, environment, thinking, life- style and approach of those who lived in the ancient civilisation.

The relics have been found in good condition, and has been preserved at the Harappa Museum. Work on the proposed site to install electronic swings has been stopped forthwith and the project scrapped.

The report about new discoveries at one of the first ancient cities of the world is being presented to Minister for Culture Ajm Al Khan.

A source said the minister is expected to order a full-fledged inquiry against his own ministry officials and Archaeology Department for issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to a National Assembly Member(MNA) to install electronic swings there.

A source in the Ministry of Culture confirmed that disciplinary action against certain officials is imminent, as they violated the government's policy to conduct a survey of the site before issuing NOC for any project.

None of them bothered to conduct the survey before approving the project to appease the ruling party MNA, Rai Azizullah Khan, who is also chairman of the Standing Committee on Culture and Tourism.

Meanwhile, renowned archaeologist Dr Ahmad Hassan Dani appealed to the government to immediately stop work at the site.

He said only experts should be allowed to restart digging at Harappa to discover the ancient remains. Dr Dani also called an emergency meeting of his Association of Asian Civilisation to pass a resolution against any digging at Harappa except by experts.

He said the government should send a team of experts to monitor the digging.