Pakistan seeks Unesco heritage status for archaeological sites

Pakistan has urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to help advance the nominations of its two major archaeological sites, including Ranighat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Port of Banbhore in Sindh, for inscription on the Unesco World Heritage List, seeking international technical support for their preservation.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) to help advance the nominations of its two major archaeological sites, including Ranighat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Port of Banbhore in Sindh, for inscription on the Unesco World Heritage List, seeking international technical support for their preservation.

On Wednesday, the request was made during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Unesco Representative in Pakistan Fuad Pashayev to review Pakistan’s heritage nominations, conservation efforts and cooperation.

Currently, Unesco has placed 37 Pakistani properties on its World Heritage Tentative List, including Ranighat and Banbhore. A World Heritage Committee-related visit to Banbhore was scheduled for September 6-11, with Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani also invited to join the cultural delegation.

Minister Khichi called for Unesco’s special assistance in moving forward with Pakistan’s heritage nominations and conservation programmes. He said several archaeological and cultural sites needed greater attention and international technical support.

Pashayev assured the minister of Unesco’s full assistance, saying its Pakistan office will continue to prioritise heritage preservation. He reaffirmed Unesco’s commitment to helping Pakistan safeguard its heritage.

The minister also sought Unesco’s assistance for recognition of four Pakistani foods and culinary traditions under its Intangible Cultural Heritage framework.

Pashayev suggested research into an ancient trade and cultural route linking the Indus Valley Civilisation with areas across present-day Iran and Syria to Mesopotamia. He pointed to similarities in archaeological materials and artefacts across the ancient civilisations and said their historical links warranted further study.

Pashayev also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to pursue joint and multinational nominations for Unesco heritage recognition, including cultural traditions such as Rubab and Sitar.

The meeting also reviewed Unesco workshops and capacity-building initiatives. Khichi suggested holding technical workshops in Islamabad, alongside those at archaeological sites, with officials and experts from the federal government and provinces participating.

Pakistan would invite Unesco Director-General Audrey Azoulay to attend “Lok Mela” and other cultural events. Secretary Gilani said Pakistan would host major cultural activities during the coming year under its leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the Economic Cooperation Organisation. He said Lahore had been designated a centre for SCO cultural activities, with several events planned in Pakistan and with member states.

Minister Khichi also invited Pashayev to visit the Shah Allah Ditta Caves and Mai Qamro Mosque.

He said the caves were being developed for cultural tourism and were expected to open in October. The Unesco representative said he would try hard to attend the opening.

He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to preserve its tangible and intangible heritage, noting that all 37 properties on the Tentative List carried heritage value. Pashayev stressed the need to identify ways to support their preparation and advancement towards possible Unesco inscription.

He said Unesco would continue working with Pakistan on advocacy, technical engagement, communication and capacity building. “Greater visibility and public awareness could help highlight the country’s heritage sites.”

The meeting discussed closer Pakistan-Unesco cooperation in heritage conservation, cultural diplomacy, capacity building and heritage promotion.