UNESCO/ KHI/ NFM/ EX-B/ 20/ FEB/ 2014

Ms. Sharmila Farooqi Advisor to Government of Sindh On Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Karachi, Pakistan

Subject:

Post- Festival Visit to World Heritage Site, Mohenjo-Daro

Respected Madam, Reference our joint visit to world heritage site of Mohenjo-Daro on 19th February, 2014 which included UNESCO/ICOMOS expert, Dr. Michael Jansen, myself, Director Archaeology and other team members, I wish to express that no signs of visible damage or harm were witnessed on the site. The site seemed intact and clean. Even Dr. Jansen, who has a very long experience and expertise on the site, expressed that no damage has been done and that site is intact. It is pertinently commendable to quote your action during the NFM Executive Board meeting on long awaited decision on dry core drilling of the site which will usher in a new era of WH sites actual property and will help in demarcating its core and buffer zone. We believe that dry core drilling and Master Plan of the site will significantly advance the efforts for safeguarding of this wonderful bronze-age site of Indus Valley Civilization.

We are confident that under your able and dynamic leadership, the department of culture will have its capacities increased to protect and safeguard the world heritage sites and sites on the tentative and protected list- together with the promotion of cultural tourism and promotion of culture for peace, which is pivotal to the socio-economic development of the country.

Yours Sincerely,

Kazi Ayaz Mahessar Provincial Coordinator, Sindh United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization