Islamabad, Sep 26 (IANS): Ancient artefacts and statues, reportedly dating back centuries, have discovered in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

The artefacts, were discovered after recent rains in the Badin area which unearthed the artefacts on Hakro river's dry riverbed, Dawn online reported.

"Many of the statues are made of brass, copper and ivory," said Habib Lund, a villager who was part of the group which found the objects.

"We used to find similar artefacts from the area and request the government to start proper archaeological excavations at the site," added Habib.

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

Another historian, Abu Bakar Shaikh suggested the objects were centuries old when Dravidian culture was predominant in the region.

The artefacts discovered are of great importance and belong to the Buddhist religion, Zulfiqar Kalhoro, an anthropologist said.

The historians and residents of the area have requested the government to take over the site and start proper excavations.