1,200-year-old temple discovered during excavation in Pakistan

Archaeologists unearth eight ancient sites

Islamabad – Archaeological excavations in Pakistan’s north-western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province have uncovered the remains of a 1,200-year-old temple, along with eight other ancient sites.

Archaeological research is being conducted across the Swat–Taxila belt of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The excavation is a joint project between Italian archaeologists and the Department of Archaeology of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Dr Luca, the director of the Italian Archaeological Mission, stated that the 1,200-year-old temple was discovered at Barikot in Swat district. The excavation is part of the ‘Khyber Path’ project, launched on 1 June 2025, aimed at promoting tourism, local development, and vocational skills in the region.

So far, Italian archaeologists, in collaboration with local authorities, have identified over 50 archaeological sites across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These sites span periods from the era of Alexander the Great to Buddhism, Hindu monarchies, Greek civilisation, and the early Islamic period, highlighting the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.