Jamal Shah inaugurates app, web portal of archaeological sites mapping project

ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah inaugurated a mobile app and web portal for the archaeological site mapping project in the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) on Wednesday.

National Heritage and Culture Division Federal Secretary Humaira Ahmed, National Heritage and Culture Division Adviser Muhammad Kashif Irshad, and DOAM Director General Dr Azeem Khan were also present on the occasion.

Pakistan’s cultural heritage is now accessible to the world, with 8,000 archaeological and religious sites now at your fingertips, the official news agency reported.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, Jamal Shah said, “Under this project, over 8,000 archaeological and religious sites have been mapped, and all data is accessible through the website of the Department of Archaeology and Museums.”

Jamal Shah added, “Around 500 cultural and religious sites of tourism potential have been selected from all over Pakistan, and after physical examination of these sites, recommendations have been made to the concerned provincial authorities for their preservation and development as tourism destinations.”

“The mobile app developed under this project is more than just a technological achievement. It is a gateway to our past, a treasure trove of knowledge, and a bridge that connects the present generation with the legacies of our ancestors,” Minister Jamal Shah said.

“Through this app, users will have the power to explore the historical and religious sites of Pakistan with ease, learn about their significance, and plan their visits,” he added.

Jamal Shah said, “This mobile app will not only benefit researchers, historians, and archaeologists but also serve as an invaluable resource for tourists eager to explore the cultural diversity and historical richness of Pakistan.”

“It will promote cultural exchange, boost tourism, and contribute to the socio-economic development of our nation,” Caretaker Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah added.