UNESCO raises questions over Pakistan’s Taxila heritage conservation work, Senate demands answers

Islamabad: Pakistan’s ancient heritage sites have come under scrutiny after UNESCO raised questions over conservation work carried out at the historic Taxila archaeological sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, prompting a Senate committee to seek detailed explanations from government officials.

The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture reviewed UNESCO’s concerns during a meeting at Parliament House and questioned whether restoration work at Pakistan’s internationally recognised heritage sites was being carried out according to global preservation standards.

Officials informed the committee that UNESCO had asked for additional information regarding the conservation work conducted by the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, at the Taxila sites.

The committee was told that the required details had already been provided to UNESCO by the provincial authorities and no further objections had been received after the submission. Officials assured lawmakers that the restoration work followed UNESCO conservation guidelines and international standards.

The meeting was chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan and attended by Senators Abdul Wasay, Bushra Anjum, Sarmad Ali and Syed Waqar Mehdi along with senior officials from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.

During the briefing, officials explained that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, responsibility for heritage conservation was transferred to provincial governments. They said the Government of Punjab started conservation activities at the Taxila archaeological sites and followed recommendations provided by UNESCO, ICOMOS and other expert organisations.

Officials said the conservation strategy focused on protecting the original structure of the ancient remains while using scientific methods. They explained that the work included repairing damaged walls, improving drainage systems, protecting old structures from weather damage and using materials compatible with the original construction.

Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi asked officials about the exact concerns raised by UNESCO. Officials explained that UNESCO’s observations mainly focused on the materials used during restoration, the method for rebuilding certain walls and the height of reconstructed structures.

They said these issues were reviewed and addressed through detailed documentation submitted to UNESCO. The committee was informed that scientific cleaning and repair methods were used to protect the archaeological remains while maintaining international conservation principles.

Pakistan currently has six sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while documents for 24 more locations have been prepared for possible future inclusion. Officials told the committee that UNESCO usually considers only one nomination from each country annually.

They said Pakistan has requested UNESCO to give priority to its pending nominations so more historical locations can receive international recognition. The committee also discussed plans to develop Taxila as a major heritage and tourism destination.

Officials informed members that around Rs100 million had already been spent during the current year on conservation activities. They said further projects, including an open air museum and improved visitor facilities, were being considered to attract tourists while protecting ancient sites.

Senator Bushra Anjum stressed that stronger federal monitoring was needed despite heritage being mainly managed by provinces. She said Pakistan must improve tourism facilities around heritage sites, including better visitor services, accommodation options and a sustainable system that creates income while preserving history.

She warned that inappropriate materials or poor restoration methods could permanently damage important archaeological sites.

The committee directed the ministry to provide UNESCO’s official response once received and recommended that members visit the Taxila archaeological sites personally to review the conservation work.

The meeting also discussed another major heritage issue involving the recovery of smuggled Pakistani archaeological artefacts from the United States. Officials informed the committee that 513 valuable archaeological artefacts had been returned to Pakistan through cooperation with US authorities.

They said the recovered objects mainly belonged to the ancient Gandhara civilisation and had been seized after being illegally taken out of Pakistan over several decades.

Officials described the artefacts as priceless national treasures representing Pakistan’s thousands of years of history. The committee was informed that plans were underway to establish a new museum where these recovered items could be safely preserved and displayed to the public.

Officials said efforts were being made to acquire land for the museum in coordination with the Capital Development Authority and public private partnership options were also being explored.

Committee members demanded details about the people involved in the smuggling network, the investigation process and the estimated value of the recovered artefacts.

They directed the ministry to submit a complete report explaining how the artefacts were recovered and what action had been taken against those involved in illegal trafficking.

The committee also discussed reports about the demolition of a historic Mughal era arch near Rohara Village for a housing development project.

The chairman directed officials to collect complete information about the incident and present a detailed report at the next meeting.