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KARACHI: US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker and Balochistan Parliamentary Secretary Nawabzada Mir Muhammad Zarain Khan Magsi on Saturday marked the completion of a US-funded cultural preservation project at the Mehrgarh Museum in Quetta.
The project, the first-ever initiative of the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) in Balochistan, was implemented in collaboration with the Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS) and the Balochistan Culture Department.
According to a press statement, the project preserved ancient Neolithic and archaeological artefacts from the historic Mehrgarh civilisation, upgraded museum curation to international standards and expanded community outreach.
It also included training for local heritage professionals to ensure the long-term care of the museum’s collection.
Speaking at the ceremony, Baker highlighted the role of American expertise in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening ties between the peoples of Pakistan and the United States.
She said the Mehrgarh Museum would showcase the 8,000-year-old Mehrgarh civilisation and other historical heritage.
During the ceremony, Baker, Magsi and project leads Dr Asma Ibrahim and Dr Kaleemullah Lashari unveiled a commemorative plaque at the museum’s entrance in Quetta ahead of its official reopening later this month.
