Lahore, Feb.27 : The archaeology department in Pakistan's Punjab province has said that it will ask the provincial government to stop "damaging historical sites" by arranging functions or cultural shows.

Punjab Archaeology Department Director General Oriya Maqbool Jan told the Daily Times that the PAD had objected to the holding of the recent fashion show at the Lahore Fort and to several other activities held in the past.

"A directive will be issued to the officials concerned in a day or two," he said.

The PAD DG said that the hammering on the walls of the monuments had weakened them and affected their structural integrity. He said that there was no law prohibiting the use of historical sites for functions.

"However, the hammering nails on and damaging the walls of monuments is strictly prohibited under the Antiquity Act and the Special Premises Act 1975," he said.

Jan said the PAD had decided to put a complete ban on any functions in or near historical sites. He said a formal announcement in this regard would be made soon. He said the PAD would not allow anyone to use Dewan-e-Aam, Dewan-e-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Jahangir's Quadrangle or any place under its control.

Lahore Fort curator Afzal Khan also told Daily Times that private arrangements were not allowed in or around the fort.

During the fashion show, which was arranged by a private company, several people reportedly scaled the fort's walls to enter the premises and attend the function.

Punjab has been the cradle of civilization since times immemorial. The ruins of Harappa show an advanced urban culture that flourished over 5000 years ago. Taxila, another historic landmark also stands out as a proof of the achievements of the area in learning, arts and crafts in bygone ages. The province is home to many well known historical sites including the Shalimar Gardens, the Badshahi Mosque, and the ruins of the ancient city of Harrapa.

The Anarkali Market and Jahangir's Tomb are prominent in the city of Lahore as is the Lahore Museum, while the ancient city of Taxila in the northwest was once a major centre of Buddhism. Many important Sikh shrines are in the Pakistani portion of Punjab, including the birthplace of the first Guru: Guru Nanak (born at Nankana Sahib). There is also the largest salt mine in Asia situated the Khewra Salt Mines.