Faiza Tehseen

Tourism is a rapidly growing industry globally and archaeological tourism is one of its hot segments. Pakistan is full of legendary archaeological places. Only a little focus on their conservation and  presentation can attract a number of tourists, researchers, and students of history. It will help boost the associated areas’ economy, increase the overall GDP, and earn a sustainable living for the communities living there.

Discussing with WealthPK the importance of archaeological tourism in Pakistan, Deputy Director of Heritage and Museums, Islamabad Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan said, “Conservation of historical places and artifacts is very important to transferring our rich culture to the coming generations. Historical sites are also an important segment of the tourism industry. Pakistan has a very rich cultural heritage from different periods.

Historical sites and archaeological monuments are spread all over Pakistan and there is a need to develop them. From tourism point of view, there are two aspects: 1), conserving and keeping neat and clean archaeological sites for tourists; 2), providing tourist facilities near the archaeological sites. It is the archaeological departments’ duty to conserve and preserve archaeological sites and historical monuments whether these fall in the provincial or federal jurisdictions.

However, to provide tourist facilities, it is the utmost duty of the local governments and provincial governments to ensure metalled roads up to the sites, proper sitting places, rest places, refreshment areas, etc. In this connection, the archaeological sites in Taxila are in good condition from the tourist point of view. Taxila museum also has an information centre for tourists.’’

 “Similarly, the world heritage site of Takht Bhai consists of all tourist facilities. Swat Museum has an information center and facilities for tourists. Few sites are situated at long distances and it is difficult to provide all facilities there but this can be managed.’’

 When WealthPK asked if there exists any proper programme between the archaeology and tourism departments at the provincial and federal level to coordinate and work together, Dr. Mahmood said, “Before the devolution of culture and heritage in 2000 under the 18^th Amendment, there was the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth Affairs at the federal level but after the 18^th Amendment, this subject was devolved to the provinces.

Then, for tourism promotion in Taxila, we provided space to the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) for construction of a motel and resorts near the archaeological sites and historical monuments. However, after devolution, it has become a provincial subject and now it is the provinces’ duty to promote and provide all facilities. Anyhow, we are coordinating with the provincial departments of archaeology for promotion, preservation, and conservation of cultural heritage sites. We also send exhibitions for all provincial museums to different friendly countries for promotion of our cultural heritage.’’

“Furthermore, actually, the sites are situated in the provinces and the state of devolving is a complete subject. There should be some categories like archaeological sites and historical monuments which are of international importance and these should be with the federal government because we need to share the responsibilities. It is not easy for the provincial governments to make all the basic arrangements concerning conservation and preservation.

Only then can the federal government pay full attention to these sites. The provinces can develop other sites like it is done all over the world and the pattern is the same. But, here in Pakistan, this subject was totally devolved from the federation to the provinces, leading to many problems. In other words, coordination among all the related agencies is the only means to bring harmony in this chapter. Without coordination, this goal cannot be attained,” Dr. Mahmood added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk