Cultural activists laud excavation at Buddhist complex in Swat.

SWAT -- The cultural activists have lauded excavation at Kushan-era Buddhist complex in Barikot Swat.

The site, located in Abbasahib-Cheena in Najirgram valley, is known for its large number of Buddhist structures, discovered by archaeologists E Barger and P Wright in 1938.

According to archaeologists, the site is one of the largest Buddhist complexes housing three main stupas and two votive stupas, domed viharas, assembly halls and monastic cells. Other structures of the complex are scattered along the mountains around the site.

Saqib Raza, field officer of directorate of archaeology and museums, who is heading the excavation project, said that the excavation process was initiated on December 5 and would continue till March.

'After finishing the excavation, we will start proper conservation of the site which will finally be opened for public,' he said.

He added that the site was not only important for its archaeological remains but also for its natural beauty.

The students of archaeology from different universities have also been involved in the excavation process.

'Archaeology is 70 per cent practical and 30 per cent theory. Field work is must for an archaeologist. We are happy that we...