Islamabad, Sep 25 (IANS): Ancient artefacts and statues, reportedly centuries old, were discovered in Pakistan's Sindh province, the media reported on Friday.

The ruins were unearthed in a dry riverbed in Badin district, Dawn online reported.

“Many of the statues and artefacts are made of brass, copper and ivory,” an official said.

He added that after finding a few pieces, a group of locals started excavations in the area and unearthed more statues and artefacts.

“We used to discover similar artefacts from the area and we request the government to start proper archaeological excavations at the site,” the official added.

Local archaeologists and historians said this place was the site of an ancient city which was the capital for lower Sindh and Thar.

“This region was of prime importance and centuries ago acted as the centre of various civilizations,” said Mashkoor Phalkaro, a local historian and researcher.

Another historian, Abu Bakar Shaikh said that the objects discovered suggest that they are centuries old when Dravidian culture was predominant in the region.

He said that the artefacts discovered are of great importance and belong to the Buddhist religion.