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LAHORE: A delegation of Ministry of Culture & Tourism from Turkey called on Punjab Additional
Chief Secretary (ACS) Shamail Ahmad Khawaja at Civil Secretariat, Lahore. Matters regarding
technical assistance from Turk experts in restoration and conservation of famous sites of archeo-
logical importance located in Lahore and other parts of the province of Punjab were brought under
discussion.

The Turkish delegation was headed by Turkey Ministry of Culture & Tourism Chief Architect Nermin
Uzunali accompanied by conservation experts of Cultural Heritage Ahmet Canseven and Ahmet
Hakan Evsen. Shamail Ahmad Khawaja informed the Turk delegation that the people of Punjab are
proud custodians of many great civilizations in the history. It is our national obligation to conserve
this rich cultural heritage for which the government of Punjab had been collaborating with Norway,
Italy and Germany, he said.

He added that Turkey has a lot in common with Pakistan, as both countries have similar cultural
heritage by virtue of being Islamic states. This is why the government of Punjab is desirous to
seek technical support from Turkish archeologists in conservation and restoration of ancient fresco
paintings present on the huge “Picture Wall” of Shahi Qila, Lahore, and restoration work of mosaic
work in all the historical buildings and havelies located in the Walled City, he said.

It was agreed upon during the meeting that a memorandum of understanding will also be signed
with the Turkish delegation to extend technical support in establishing a Metallurgical and Structure
Material Analysis Laboratory in Lahore, which would help conserve the sites of archeological
importance. Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) Director General Kamran Lashari, Punjab Archeo-
logy Director General Ijaz Ahmed and others were present during the meeting

Source:Pakistan Today, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

Turkish archaeologists discuss restoration of Punjab’s cultural heritage