Federal Minister for National Heritage & Culture, Hon’ble  Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, who is currently on an official Visit to Italy leading Pakistan’s delegation at ICCROM General Assembly, participated as Chief Guest & Key Note Speaker at the event marking 70 years anniversary of Italian Archaeology Center at Swat. 

Hon’ble Minister while highlighting enduring partnership and its significance for preserving shared cultural heritage, underscored ongoing initiatives in fostering excellent bilateral cooperation and exchanges. 

The ceremony was organised by Italy’s ‘Intl Association for Mediterranean & Oriental Studies” (ISMEO), and supported by Italian Development Cooperation Agency (AICS) of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and University of Venice. 

“Pakistan is committed to advancing archaeological research, conservation & education and looks forward to deepening cooperation in this regard in its depth and dimension”, the Minister noted. 

The Event paid rich tribute to bilateral, technical & academic cooperation over archeological sites in Pakistan through ‘Italian Archaeological Mission ’ established by Giuseppe Tucci in 1955. 

The celebration featured 4 Sessions on mission’s history in Pakistan, ongoing collaborations with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and future projects in archaeobotany, epigraphy, and geoarchaeology and focused discussions on landmark sites such as Barikot, Butkara & Saidu Sharif.

Professor Luca Maria Olivieri (Sitara e Imtiaz) moderated the Event. He teaches Ph.D students of Archeology at University  of Venice and has been engaged in the field with Pakistan for over 38 years.

Pakistan Embassy, Rome.
13 December 2025