Many Baghlan historical sites on the verge of collapse

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): The Information and Culture department says many historical places and monuments in northern Baghlan province are on the verge of destruction.

Maulvi Mustafa Hashimi, director of information and culture, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the security and protection of historical sites and monuments has been ensured.

He said many historic sites were on the brink of collapse due to the past government negligence.

For example, he said, the Surkh Kotal in Pul-i-Khumri, the provincial capital, Chamkal, the ancient hill of Dehnaghori district and the Qarghan hill had been partially  usurped by people and the rest they were facing the threat of destruction.

He added damaged parts of the historical places needed repair, but no action had been taken so far.

Hashimi alleged historical areas of Baghlan province had been excavated by security personnel of the former government.

He said the historic sites of Baghlan have not been officially registered with UNESCO, therefore they could not seek help from the organization to restore them but they had shared the issue with MoIC.

Izatullah Mir Haqqani, an official of the information and culture department, said that unit 012 has been tasked with protecting historical sites of the province and no one is allowed to encroach or excavate them.

sa/ma