Zubair Yaqoob Karachi
Maintenance and road rehabilitation work at Karachi’s historic Lee Market led to the unexpected discovery of ancient artifacts, drawing large crowds of residents and history enthusiasts eager to witness the rare finds. The artifacts surfaced during an extensive road repair and renovation project being carried out by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) at one of the city’s oldest commercial centers. Workers uncovered two historical sculptures buried beneath the site, prompting authorities to imme-diately halt activity in the affected area and secure the objects. Local residents gathered around the excavation site, creating a scene of excitement and curiosity.
Many described the find as a reminder of Karachi’s rich historical legacy and expressed hope that further investigations would reveal more about the city’s past. Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab promptly visited Lee Market to inspect the site and review the ongoing restoration work. During his visit, he examined the recovered sculptures and directed officials to ensure the artifacts were removed carefully from the active construction zone to prevent any damage.
Municipal authorities transferred the fragile objects to a secure location for preservation while experts begin the process of evaluating their historical importance. Officials said protecting the artifacts remained the immediate priority before any further excavation continued. Speaking at the site, Mayor Wahab said the city administration was working closely with the relevant culture and archaeology authorities to determine the origin, age and historical value of the discoveries. He said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the Department of Culture would jointly conduct scientific examinations to establish the authenticity and antiquity of the recovered sculptures.
The mayor also instructed engineers, contractors and municipal staff involved in the renovation project to exercise maximum caution during all future excavation and construction work. He stressed that any additional objects of historical importance discovered beneath the site should be handled in accordance with archaeological preservation standards. The discovery has renewed interest in Karachi’s layered history and highlighted the possibility that more historical remains could lie beneath parts of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, where modern infrastructure projects continue alongside centuries-old urban heritage.
