The Functional Committee on Devolution, National Heritage and Culture has decided to nominate five prominent historical and cultural sites of Pakistan for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Archaeological Sites list. According to officials from the National Heritage and Culture Division, the five sites shortlisted for nomination include.

Bhambhore Port, an ancient seaport of historical significance Balochistan’s Karez System, a traditional underground irrigation network Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape, reflecting Sindh's diverse heritage Rani Ghat Site, known for Buddhist archaeological remains Hiran Minar, a Mughal-era monument in Punjab During a briefing to the committee, officials also provided updates on the ongoing preservation work at Rawat Fort, which began in 2017.

They mentioned the presence of a mosque behind the fort where local residents regularly pray, posing a challenge when entrance tickets were introduced. The Secretary of National Heritage and Culture told the committee that efforts to charge entry fees had previously led to community protests.

“When ticketing was enforced, local residents gathered in protest, objecting to restricted mosque access,” the secretary explained. He added that the department is working to strike a balance between the preservation of cultural heritage and ensuring the religious needs of the local community are not disrupted. The committee appreciated the nominations and expressed hope that international recognition would further highlight Pakistan’s historical, cultural and tourism potential.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)