Baghlan historic sites, monuments under threat

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): Growing insecurity has endangered the safety of historical sites and monuments in northern Baghlan province, an official said on Sunday.

Information and Cultural Affairs Director Zakria Naseri told Pajhwok Afghan News “Historic relics and sites exist in the province from the Koshanian era and we fear these sites may be harmed with the growing insecurity.”

He said historic sites were available in 28 areas of Baghlan and according to him most of these areas were under Taliban’s control.

Culture Protection Department head Abdul Bashir Azhar said a worship site from the Koshanian era and 400 years old monuments were available in the province.

“We fear as far as the protection of these sites is concerned that these historic sites may be lost due to insecurity,” he said.

Bashir added efforts were on for protection and security of these sites with support of UNESCO.

1^st Lt. Mohammad Nazir, commander of 012 unit, said that historic sites in areas under government control were fully protected.

It is worth mentioning that historic sites in provinces surrounding Baghlan are also under security threat.

nh/ma