Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of Pakistan

𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗕𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗘
Banbhore is an important heritage site located approximately 65 km east of Karachi on the northern bank of the Gharo Creek. The site occupies a strategic position at the end of a fluvial axis, connecting inland Sindh to the Arabian Sea, which made it a significant port and trade hub over several centuries. Scholars have tentatively linked Banbhore to the ancient harbor of Barbarikon mentioned in the Periplus Maris Erythraei and to Debal (Daybul/Deb), famously conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim in 712 CE, though these identifications remain debated.

The site encompasses a fortified citadel and the surrounding quarters, measuring roughly 65 hectares. The fortified citadel is encircled by 47 U-shaped and circular towers and eight rectangular bastions. Excavations have revealed continuous occupation from at least the 1st century BCE (Scytho-Parthian period) through the Hindu-Sasanian era into the early Islamic centuries, including the Umayyad and Abbasid period, and the Sultanate period. The site witnessed violent episodes, evidenced by unburied skeletons and arrow-inflicted deaths, likely marking its decline around the mid 13th century CE.

Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, paid an official visit to the Islamabad Museum to review the museum’s facilities and ongoing development initiatives.
The Honorable Minister was warmly received by Director General, Department of Archaeology & Museums, Mr. Aman Ullah, During the visit, the Minister toured the Digital Immersive Gallery, where he appreciated the innovative use of modern technology to promote Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy through engaging and interactive experiences.
The Minister also visited the newly established gallery, which is expected to be opened to the public in the coming days. He reviewed the progress of preparations and commended the efforts of the Department of Archaeology & Museums in enhancing museum infrastructure and visitor experience.
The visit reflects the government’s continued dedication to safeguarding national heritage and making it more accessible for future generations.

On this Labour Day, the 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 & 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗺𝘀 pays tribute to the dedication, strength, and resilience of every worker whose tireless efforts continue to build, sustain, and uplift our nation.

We proudly stand in solidarity with workers everywhere and reaffirm our support for fair wages, safe and humane working conditions, dignity in labour, and equal opportunities for all.

Today, we recognize that the progress of every society is founded upon the hard work and commitment of its people. Their contribution deserves respect, appreciation, and protection.

𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗮𝗷 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲
Hinglaj is dedicated to the goddess Parvati, Kali, or Mata and is recognized as a Shakti Peetha (seat/altar of power), marking the spot where the head of Goddess Sati is believed to have fallen. The site is referred to by several other names in ancient literature, including Hingula, Hingulaja, and Hingulata. Hingula is mentioned in the Sanskrit texts (e.g. Vamana Purana, Devi Bhagavata Purana, Kularnava Ta**ra) which they date to approximately between the 7th and 15th centuries CE. Hinglaj is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore, including legends of Shiva’s grief-stricken dance and Ramchandra’s prayer to recover Sita. Nearby sacred sites include wells, tanks, the Alail Kund for ablutions, and shrines such as those of Guru Gorakhnath, Kali Kund, Aneel Kund, and Bibi Nani, venerated by both Hindus and Muslims.
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿
Haptalar (Astola Island), located 24 km off the Balochistan coast near Pasni, complements Hinglaj’s spiritual landscape. The small table-topped island, measuring 4.8 km by 1.6 km with a 79 meters hill at its western end, hosts a shrine dedicated to Kali Devi. The site is revered by Hindus, with legends of supernatural occurrences and rituals such as the sacrificial ascent of goats. The island’s name likely derives from Balochi words meaning “seven” and “rocky slab,” linking it to the Hindu concept of Sat Pahar (seven sacred dips).

𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗮
The archaeological site of Harappa is located approximately 24 km west of Sahiwal city. Harappa represents one of the principal urban centers of the Harappan Culture, widely known as the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished across nearly 1.5 million square km of present-day Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan. The existence of this ancient civilization was first hinted at when Charles Masson noted antiquities in the area in 1826, and later when Alexander Cunningham encountered an inscribed seal in 1853, though its significance was not recognized at the time.

The Harappan Culture represents one of the world’s earliest and most extensive urban traditions. it had become part of a highly sophisticated urban tradition distinguished by advanced water management and drainage, standardized brick ratios, regulated weights and measures, formal town planning, and a rich craft industry that produced seals, inscribed objects, jewelry, copper–bronze artefacts, terracotta figurines, painted pottery, and stone blades. Early excavations undertaken by Rai Bahadur Daya Ram Sahni in 1921, under the supervision of John Marshall, followed by those of Mackay, Vats, and Mortimer Wheeler in subsequent decades, further established Harappa as one of the key archaeological discoveries of South Asia.

Harappa’s position alongside other major centers such as Mohenjo-daro, Dholavira, and Lothal further underscores its role within an interconnected urban system that flourished contemporaneously with the civilizations of the Nile, Tigris–Euphrates, and Huang He.

𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 & 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻 # 7
Situated about 100 km southeast of Rahim Yar Khan (27.855408 N, 70.808395 E), Islam Garh Fort is a large square enclosure measuring 100 meters per side. Constructed entirely of burnt brick, the fort displays precise engineering through its evenly spaced 19 bastions that provide uninterrupted defensive coverage around the perimeter.
The arched eastern entrance is the most refined architectural element, possibly once adorned with decorative brickwork. Inside, the remains of a small mosque and a series of dwelling units suggest that the fort supported a small community or garrison. The overall layout reflects both military and domestic functions, making Islam Garh a self-sustained fortified settlement rather than a mere watchtower.

𝗡𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 # 𝟯 | 𝐉𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐈
Jain Temple II is more elaborate than Temple I and closely resembles the Virawah temple in architectural style. The boundary wall has mostly disappeared, and the structure is in gradual decay.The temple comprises an outer porch, a central hall, and a Garbhagriha. The entrance from the west is approached by a short flight of steps, followed by a more elaborate staircase of nine steps decorated with painted sculptures and floral motifs. The outer porch is supported by four carved columns, between which snake motifs are prominently displayed. The doorway is flanked by sculpted janitor figures holding staffs, and floral imagery is painted in blue.

The central hall is supported by eight decorated columns, while the Garbhagriha rests on four additional columns. The beams feature geometric carvings, and the walls are adorned with painted decorations. The Shikhara is richly carved with human and lion figures, and merlon-shaped battlements enhance the roofline. Despite its deteriorating condition, the temple’s decorative richness remains evident.