US $6.4 mn grant for 30 cultural heritage projects

0
234

Nazir Siyal

KARACHI: U.S. Consul General Mark Stroh joined Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture (IVS) Executive Director Dr. Faiza Mushtaq, Sindh Exploration and Adventure Society (SEAS) President Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari, SEAS Secretary General Dr. Asma Ibrahim, and other guests to celebrate the successful renovation of the historic Nusserwanjee Building.

This landmark restoration was made possible through a $140,000 U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant to restore the building implemented by SEAS and facilitated by IVS.

The United States has awarded more than $6.4 million dollars (approximately 1.1 billion rupees) for 30 such cultural heritage projects across Pakistan. Consul General Stroh explained, “The U.S. Mission supports the preservation of heritage sites like the Nusserwanjee Building because we know these sites mean so much more than bricks and mortar. They strengthen communities, and they are an investment in building a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan. I am proud that with together with IVS, SEAS, and the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the U.S. Consulate has played a part in ensuring that this piece of Karachi’s history is now preserved for future generations.”In addition to the Nusserwanjee Building, other U.S. AFCP projects in Sindh include therestoration of the tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad at the Makli Hill necropolis, the conservation of Varun Dev Hindu Temple on Manora Island, and the recently inaugurated project to restore Frere Hall.These projects exemplify the United States’ commitment to work with Pakistan and Sindh province.