ABSTRACT
The coastal region of Pakistan is important archaeologically because it is transitional between the Indus valley Harappan civilization and those of later times, with the well known ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt and the Middle East. The region is also one of the most tectonically active of the world. More than thirty major earthquakes have occurred there during 1939-75. In addition, there has been considerable faulting, folding and warping of coastal landforms, particularly the coastal terraces. In the last 5000 years, structural movements have been ~60-120 m along several sections of the coast, especially near the fishing village of Pasni. Also, this coastal region is occasionally hit by severe Arabian Sea cyclones. These are small hurricanes that can cause extensive flooding and rapid erosion of the soft marls and clays. These physical events have resulted in the loss and destruction of numerous archaeological locations. The materials used in the construction of these sites were mud, mud-brick or matting, none of which long resists accelerated processes of desert and coastal erosion. Near Karachi, archaeological sites are destroyed through transportation and urban expansion. More than 250 possible locations have been identified but few are well preserved. Considerable concern exists that the presently known sites will be lost by natural and human forces. Existing sites need further protection by good government management in order to protect the important evidence of long-term contact between Indus valley civilizations and those of the Persian Gulf and further west for over 6000 yr.
