Pak's Hassanabdal Buddhist site almost lost due to illegal encroachments

Pakistan's famous 2,000-year-old Buddhist site in front of Punja Saheb Hassanabdal is close to being lost for ever due to illegal developments, encroachments and rapid urbanization.

The department of archaeology and museums (DOAM) had deposited 1.7 million rupees with the revenue office of Attock to save the site from encroachments and to acquire the land and declared it protected under the Antiquities Act 1975, Dawn.com reported.

However, the remaining amount was never deposited by the then ministry of culture due to shortage of funds.

Dr Fazaldad Kakar. Director General DOAM, said that the site was protected and declared to be of national importance, but the land on which the remains are situated is owned by private entities.

Kakar said that the department does not have police powers and it can only point out encroachments, but if police and courts cannot do anything, they cannot do anything too.

Site attendant Mohammad Sajid said that most of the monastery is still buried under the mound and well preserved and if its excavated and preserved, then the monastery will be a significant discovery.