Expedition team finds ancient Christian relic in Skardu.

Byline: Jamil Nagri

GILGIT -- The first probable evidence of early Christian presence in Skardu was discovered on a mountain by an expedition team from the University of Baltistan, it was announced on Sunday.

The research and expedition team of Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan, Dr Zakir Hussain Zakir and Dr Ishtiaq Hussain Maqpoon visited the site to study an ancient Christian cross along with local villagers and mountain guides.

The huge cross made of marble rock material and weighing more than three to four tonnes (approximately seven by six feet in size), was found around two kilometres from the base camp located high in the mountains of Kavardo village in Skardu of Baltistan division, overlooking the River Indus, the team said.

The Christian cross represents the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and is the best-known symbol of Christianity.

According to the team, the cross could be 900-1,000 years old, perhaps signifying the time when Buddhism was in decline in the region and Islam was to later...