Pakistan–France Archaeological Experts Hold Ceremony to Review Ten Years of Excavations at Chanhu Jo Daro Near Nawabshah
Adnan Athar
Nawabshah A special ceremony was held today at Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology Nawabshah to review the results of ten years of archaeological excavations jointly carried out by Pakistani and French experts at Chanhu Jo Daro, an ancient Indus Valley Civilization site near Nawabshah.
Sindh Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
During the event, archaeologist Dr. Arora Dodière and other French experts briefed participants about the ancient artifacts, pottery, ornaments, tools, and everyday objects unearthed during the excavations. They explained that these findings provide significant insight into the social, cultural, and economic aspects of the ancient Sindh civilization.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho said that Chanhu Jo Daro is a valuable heritage site representing the glorious Indus Valley Civilization and its rich cultural legacy. She appreciated the ongoing archaeological collaboration between Pakistan and France, noting that such joint projects help promote Pakistan’s cultural identity on a global level.
Dr. Pechuho further remarked that evidence from the excavations suggests Chanhu Jo Daro may be even older than Mohenjo Daro, underscoring the historic importance of Shaheed Benazirabad District. She added that the Sindh government is establishing a museum at Chanhu Jo Daro to preserve the excavated artifacts so that citizens—especially students—can learn how deeply their ancestors valued their culture.
The experts also presented visual and documentary material showing various excavation stages, ancient settlement structures, and new research findings.
Among the speakers were French Consul General in Karachi Alexis, Secretary for Culture Sindh Khair Muhammad Kalwar, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-e-Awam University Professor Dr. Saleem Raza Samoon, and Syed Munir Shah.
The ceremony was attended by Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Division Shaheer Khan Bhutto, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Samad Nizamani, political and social figure Abdul Sattar Kerio, Regional Director Colleges Professor Muhammad Suleman Siyal, PPP District President Muhammad Saleem Zardari, Deputy Director Bilawal Historical Research Centre and In-charge Museum Nazir Ahmed Zardari, as well as numerous French and local archaeologists.
At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho distributed souvenirs among the French experts and other distinguished participants.
