France and Pakistan strengthen archaeological cooperation in Sindh
Karachi: France and Pakistan are set to deepen their cooperation in archaeology as preparations begin for the 2025 joint fieldwork season in Sindh under the French Archaeological Mission in the Indus Basin (MAFBI). Led by Dr. Aurore Didier, Head of MAFBI, and supported by the Scientific Cooperation Attachée of France, the campaign will be carried out in collaboration with the Directorate General of Antiquities & Archaeology, Government of Sindh, and the Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department (CTA\&AD).
The mission not only marks another milestone in bilateral heritage research but also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the joint excavation of the Chanhu Daro site. To commemorate this historic cooperation, conferences will be held on October 28 in Islamabad and November 12 in Nawabshah, Sindh, engaging researchers, students, and cultural institutions.
During her visit to Karachi, Dr. Didier and the French Scientific Cooperation Attachée held discussions with provincial leaders and officials, including Dr. Azra Pechuho, Provincial Minister for Health & Population Welfare; Mr. Abdul Fatah Shaikh, Director (Archaeology & Museums), CTA\&AD; Mr. Khair Muhammad Kalwar, Secretary, CTA\&AD; and Mr. Ali Lashari, Assistant Director (Excavations), Government of Sindh.
This collaboration continues to serve as a cornerstone of the France–Pakistan partnership, reinforcing shared commitments to heritage preservation, cultural exchange, research, and training.
