Mohenjadaro at risk from Sindh Festival opening ceremony: Experts

KARACHI: Experts have warned that the opening ceremony of the Sindh Festival being spearheaded by PPP patron-in-chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari could place Mohenjadaro one of the world’s ancient civilizations at risk.

Large wooden and steel scaffolds are being erected over and around the ruins, while heavy spotlights and lasers have been installed for a light show.

Farzand Masih, head of the Department of Archaeology at Punjab University, said such activity was banned under the Antiquity Act.

“You cannot even hammer a nail at an archaeological site,” he said.

“The laser and spotlights, secondly, will cause rapid decay at the site which is already exposed to many negative factors,” Masih added. “I was invited for the ceremony by Mr Bilawal Bhutto Zardari but I don’t approve of such kind of activity.”

The ruins, discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Sir John Marshall, are 425 kilometres north of the port city of Karachi and are one of the largest settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

“This is really a matter of great concern that we treat our precious heritage so recklessly,” said Nauman Ahmad, a professor of architecture and urban planning.

“And when we need technical or financial assistance for conservation we have to face embarrassment from the donors for such acts,” he added.
Qasim Ali Qasim, head of the Sindh Archaeology Department that is responsible for the ruins, denied any damage was being done.

“I don’t think that the structure or lights would harm the site,” he said.

“I am personally overseeing the work and it is all in accordance with the SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).”

Responding to the criticism, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted: “inspected MD site with Director Archaeology (30yrs experience). Explained how every precaution has been taken. Remains are safe. More soon.”

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has agreed to hear a case which seeks to bar the provincial government from building on the site.

A short order from SHC Chief Justice Syed Maqbool Baqir stated that unless extreme care is taken in making arrangements for the show, the site may be damaged and this would be a great national tragedy.

The Mohenjodaro ruins are one of Pakistan's six Unesco World Heritage sites that are deemed places of special cultural significance.
But many of the country's historical sites are endangered by vandalism and urban encroachment, as well as a booming trade in illegally excavated treasures.