A delegation of Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Turkey called on Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Punjab Shamail Ahmad Khawaja at Civil Secretariat, Lahore today. The Turk delegation was headed by Chief Architect, Ministry of Culture & Tourism, Republic of Turkey Mrs. Nermin Uzunali accompanied by Conservation Experts of Cultural Heritage Ahmet Canseven and Ahmet Hakan Evsen. Matters regarding technical assistance from Turk experts in restoration and conservation of famous sites of archeological importance located in Lahore and other parts of the province of Punjab. Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Shamail Ahmad Khawaja informed the Turk delegation that the people of Punjab are proud custodians of many great civilizations from day back to five thousand years 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, but the Republic of Turkey has more similarities and commonness with Pakistan as regards cultural heritage of both the brotherly 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 of Lahore. 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 Metallurgical and Structure Material Analysis Laboratory in Lahore which would help conserve the sites of archeological importance. Director General Walled City Lahore Authority (WCLA) Kamran Lashari, Director General Archeology, Punjab Ijaz Ahmed, Deputy Secretaries S&GAD Ms. Noorish Sabah and Ms. Saba Asghar Ali were also present in the meeting besides a senior representative of Lahore Museum.
