The Caretaker Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah laid the foundation stone of restoration, development and preservation of historic caves at Shah Alla Ditta in the suburb of Islamabad today.

Addressing the ceremony, he said the Department of Archaeology and Museums started conservation, preservation, restoration and development of the caves during the current financial year.

He said that the work includes archaeological excavation, complete documentation of the site, geotechnical study of binding materials, construction of drainage work as well as soft and hard landscaping.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shah Alla Ditta caves are situated on southern side of the Margalla hills in a small picturesque valley, some 14 kilometers north-west of the capital city of Islamabad.

These caves consist of two natural rock shelters of Kanjur stone situated on either side of a natural spring of hot water.