Pakistan’s UNESCO Heritage nominations stalled by annual submission limits, Senators warn

The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, revealed

Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, revealed significant gaps in Pakistan’s approach to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, calling for urgent reforms and greater government accountability.

The Committee unanimously approved The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which modifies certain provisions of the 2022 ordinance, including replacing references to the “Federal Government” with “Prime Minister.” Senator Bushra Anjum Butt questioned the rationale for these changes, and officials clarified that the amendments were proposed in response to directives from the Supreme Court in a related case. While the Bill received approval, senators stressed that legislative reform alone would not suffice without practical enforcement mechanisms.

During the review of Starred Question No. 64, members examined the legal framework for protecting heritage sites and preventing encroachments, illegal constructions, and damage to cultural assets. Senator Shahadat Awan raised sharp concerns over the lack of formal coordination between the federal Ministry and provincial governments following the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Ministry officials acknowledged that no structured working arrangement exists, nor has any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or formal legal mechanism been established to institutionalize provincial collaboration. Senator Awan criticized the reliance on informal workshops and engagements, calling for written rules and formal structures to ensure effective governance.

Senators also spotlighted the Ministry’s limited progress in submitting nominations for new World Heritage sites. Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi confirmed that proposals for Bhambore and Ranigat have been submitted to UNESCO, but only one nomination can be processed annually. Senator Shahadat Awan warned that inconsistent submissions over the years have impeded Pakistan’s potential to expand its internationally recognized heritage portfolio. The discussion also noted insufficient public outreach and digital visibility, as the Ministry’s heritage focused mobile application is not prominently accessible on official platforms.

The Committee further highlighted the Ministry’s constrained financial resources, noting that it receives among the lowest budget allocations of all federal ministries. In response, Chairman Senator Hidayatullah Khan recommended a dedicated meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss enhanced support and resource allocation. The agenda item was deferred, with the Ministry directed to present a full briefing and detailed proposals at the next session.