GNDU ex-Prof Balvinder Singh to help preserve Pakistan temples

Tribune News Service

GS Paul

Amritsar, July 13

To promote cultural heritage, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government is making efforts to restore the Kafir Kot Hindu temples. For the purpose, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museum, Peshawar, has appointed an Amritsar-based former Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) professor and conservation expert, Dr Balvinder Singh.

Dr Balvinder said, “I will visit Peshawar shortly to get familiar with the site.” The project will conserve the eighth century northern and southern Kafir Kot temples situated in Dera Ismail Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Talking to The Tribune, Dr Abdul Samad, Director, Directorate of Archaeology and Museum, Peshawar, said, “We are preparing 3D drawings to work out the contours of the shrines. The conservation and renovation cost will be borne by the Pakistan government.”

Prof Arshad Ali, Head, Department of Science and Technology, University of Peshawar, said, “There are various obstacles, including extensive infra development. We have sought advice from Dr Balvinder Singh to help us preserve religious heritage in Peshawar.”

Challenging task

The task will be challenging as certain structural elements are missing or have broken due to adverse weather conditions. — Dr Balvinder Singh, conservation expert

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