THATTA, Thursday, April 2, 2026 (WNP): Ambassador Albert P. Khorev, accompanied by staff from the Russian Embassy and Consulate General, visited several of Sindh’s prominent historical sites on Thursday, including the Chaukundi Tombs, the Makli Necropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the 17th-century Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, celebrated for its intricate decoration.

The delegation also reviewed the ongoing archaeological excavations at the ancient port city of Banbhore. This medieval site holds exceptional historical significance, as it is believed that following its capture by the Arab commander Muhammad ibn al-Qasim in the 8th century, the first mosque in South Asia was constructed there.

Banbhore also features in the history of Russia-Pakistan relations. Historians note that the Russian merchant and traveler Afanasy Nikitin, a native of Tver, visited the site in the 15th century.

Arriving on the Indian subcontinent around 1470—well before Vasco da Gama’s voyage—Nikitin documented the region’s culture, traditions, and way of life in his renowned work Journey Beyond the Three Seas.

The visit provided Russian diplomats with an opportunity to gain deeper insight into Pakistan’s rich history, diverse cultural heritage, and natural wealth, strengthening cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries.