'No nation can progress until it examines its past,' says PM Imran.

JHELUM -- Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that an examination of the past was very important for a nation to progress and emphasised the value of future generations knowing about their history.

The prime minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Al-Beruni Radius heritage trail at Nandana fort in Jhelum. The prime minister's office said the premier was keen on the "preservation and conservation of the site" and aimed at converting it into an international tourism site. The trail will be a gateway to seven archeological sites, including Nandana fort, Shiva temple, Khewra salt mines, Malot fort and Takht-e-Babri.

The premier inquired from the gathered community why the protection and preservation of historical sites was necessary, before responding himself by reasoning that future generations must get the opportunity to know about their past. "No nation can really progress forward until it examines its past."

He pointed out that all the developed nations of the world protected their old buildings, historical sites and ancient architecture. He lamented that Pakistan had neglected its historical sites such as Nandana fort and its archaeologists had done little to further the work of the British on excavating Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

"We have to protect these things for the upcoming generations, and [for] our problem of livelihood, we have to give livelihood to our youth.

"Tourism is one thing which gives the most opportunities for livelihood and the way that God has blessed Pakistan, we can provide the kind [and range] of tourism to the world like no other country," said the prime minister...