KARACHI: Three historic forts in Sindh have been added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) tentative list of World Heritage Sites, officials said.
The newly-listed sites include Navan Kot Fort, Umerkot Fort and Kot Diji Fort in Khairpur, all of which are regarded as important symbols of Sindh’s architectural and historical legacy.
According to officials from the Sindh Culture Department, UNESCO’s tentative list serves as a prerequisite for eventual nomination to the organisation’s final World Heritage register.
Director General Antiquities and Archaeology Sindh Fatah Sheikh said the inclusion reflected international recognition of the cultural and archaeological significance of the forts. He explained that before any site is granted full World Heritage status, UNESCO undertakes a detailed evaluation of its historical relevance, conservation status and cultural value.
The official said the move was expected to help promote heritage tourism in Sindh and draw greater global attention towards Pakistan’s lesser-known historical landmarks.
The development also comes amid growing concerns over the condition of several archaeological and heritage sites across the country, many of which have long suffered from neglect, encroachments, environmental damage and limited conservation funding.
Experts have repeatedly warned that inadequate preservation measures and unchecked urban expansion continue to threaten centuries-old structures in different parts of Pakistan.
Pakistan currently has several sites on UNESCO’s tentative list, while six locations — including Mohenjo Daro and the Makli Necropolis — have already been granted full World Heritage status.
