Five new sites selected for nomination to UNESCO's World Archaeological Heritage list

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Functional Committee on Devolution, National Heritage, and Culture has decided to nominate five of Pakistan’s historical and cultural sites for inclusion in the UNESCO World Archaeological Heritage List.

According to officials from the National Heritage and Culture Division, the sites that will be nominated for world heritage status include Bhambhore Port, the Qarez System of Balochistan, the Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape, the Rani Ghat site, and Hiran Minar.

During a briefing regarding the preservation of Rawat Fort, officials informed the committee that restoration work began in 2017. There is a mosque located behind the fort that is regularly used by worshippers.

The Secretary for National Heritage and Culture explained that attempts to impose an entry ticket led to objections from local residents, especially worshippers. On one occasion, when the ticketing was enforced, locals gathered in protest.

Recognizing the sensitivity of the issue, authorities said they are working to maintain a balance between protecting cultural heritage and respecting religious practices of the local community.

The committee appreciated the proposals and expressed hope that international recognition of these sites would help promote Pakistan’s historical, cultural, and tourism identity on the global stage.