Pak 80 years old, can't appropriate Indus Valley civilisation: Culture minister

The Indus Valley civilisation, which flourished more than five thousand years ago, is widely recognised as a shared cultural foundation for the Indian subcontinent. Archaeologists and historians have long noted that its major sites lie in present‑day Pakistan and India, making it a common heritage rather than the property of any modern state. The debate over ownership of this ancient legacy often surfaces in diplomatic exchanges, especially when national narratives seek to link contemporary identity to historic achievements.

During a recent press briefing, the Pakistani culture minister emphasized that the country, having celebrated eight decades of independence, does not have the right to appropriate the Indus Valley civilisation for exclusive national pride. He argued that such claims could strain regional cooperation and divert attention from present‑day cultural projects. The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s willingness to engage in multilateral platforms that promote shared history, pointing to the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization Civilizational Dialogue Forum as an opportunity for constructive dialogue.

For readers in India, the minister’s remarks matter because they touch on a sensitive element of cultural identity that influences educational curricula, tourism promotion, and diplomatic narratives. Participation in the SCO forum could open channels for joint research, heritage preservation, and tourism initiatives that benefit both sides of the border. Moreover, a collaborative approach to ancient history may reduce the risk of politicising archaeology, allowing scholars to focus on scientific inquiry rather than nationalist competition.