Khyber Khalid Mehmood told the reporters that the discoveries are the result of the effort made by the archaeological department. He added further added that the survey also disclosed around eight sites of immense Buddhist importance.

This archaeological survey was carried in Tehsil Jamrud of Khyber Agency. It was carried out in a period of around 75 days and the thirty thousand years old 110 ancient sites were discovered as a result of this survey and a number of relics like images and paintings carved on stones were also discovered.

Mehmood also said that surveys were also conducted in these areas during British rule but they failed to achieve any success. Though deep excavation has not been conducted but they discovered sites with the evidence having a historic value of thirty thousand years.

Archaeology department in FATA Secretariat

Efforts are underway to establish archaeology department in FATA Secretariat. An archaeologist said that in past militancy hindered our efforts to conduct archaeological survey in FATA. He added that it is our utmost desire to excavate more sites in FATA with the help of political administration for identifying Buddhist relics besides establishing museums in these areas.