GWADAR, March 20 2007 (APP): President General Pervez Musharraf on Tuesday said Pakistan was a cradle of ancient civilization and called for wide-ranging measures for the preservation of national heritage for future generations.He was speaking here at a ceremony also attended by Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, at which the Kingdom of Oman handed over keys of an ancient fort built in 1783 and located at Gwadar to the President. The fort was restored by the Ministry of Heritage and Culture of Oman and was once used as palace by Omani leaders when they ruled over Gwadar.
President Musharraf thanked the government and people of Oman, particularly Sultan Qaboos, for this gesture and the remarkable restoration work done to bring the Gwadar Fort to its past glory.
He said Pakistan was a cradle of ancient civilization, dating back to the 8th century and said all faiths flourished here before the advent of Islam in the sub-continent.
The President stressed the need to preserve the rich past and said, ?The nations that do not look after their past cannot look after their future.?
He said Pakistan has rich tourist potential and natural beauty that can attract tourists from across the world.
