MINGORA: More than 40 scholars are presently busy in research for their PhD theses on the art, culture, traditions and ancient civilisation of Swat, says Dr Mohammad Ashraf Khan, the director of Taxila Institute of Ancient Civilisations at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad.

During visit to Swat Museum along with the archaeology and history students of the university on Sunday, he said that the oldest civilisation of Gandhara had been found in Swat valley.

`We have come to visit the diverse archaeological sites from the rock carvings to stupas and other monuments of Gandhara civilisation,` said Dr Ashraf. He said that Padmasmabhawa, the Guru of Tantric Buddhism, was born in Swat and the religion was spread from there to Tibet, Korea, Japan and other countries.

Dr Ashraf said that Swat Museum was one of the best museums in the country, having spacious galleries with naturallights.

Dr Razia Sultana, the vicechancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, also accompanied the delegation during the visit.

`Swat is full of treasures of ancient civilisations some of which have been unearthed, she told Dawn.

She said that destruction of the old building of Swat Museum saddened people of the country. `However, we are very happy to see the new building of the museum,` she added.

Dr Razia urged the government and local people to protect their heritage as developed nations valued their identity. `The identity of nations is based on their heritage,` she said, adding that the rich heritage of the area must be protected and displayed. Correspondent