The Functional Committee on Devolution, National Heritage, and Culture has decided to nominate five historical and cultural sites from Pakistan for inclusion in the UNESCO World Archaeological Heritage List.
Officials from the National Heritage and Culture Division informed the committee that the selected sites include Bhambhore Port, the Qarez Water System in Balochistan, the Nagarparkar Cultural Landscape, the Rani Ghat archaeological site, and Hiran Minar. These locations were chosen for their cultural significance and historical value.
During the meeting, the committee was also briefed on the preservation efforts at Rawat Fort. Officials shared that restoration work began in 2017 and continues to this day. A mosque located behind the fort is still regularly used by worshippers.
However, attempts to introduce entry tickets at the site led to objections from local residents, especially those using the mosque for daily prayers. At one point, the implementation of a ticketing system sparked public protests in the area.
Acknowledging the sensitivities involved, authorities assured the committee that efforts are being made to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and respecting the religious needs of local communities.
The committee appreciated the nomination proposals and expressed hope that international recognition of these sites would help highlight Pakistan’s rich historical and cultural legacy.
They believe that achieving world heritage status could also boost tourism and global awareness of the country’s diverse cultural landscapes.
