SWAT: Archaeologists and heritage activists on Wednesday said that museums were not merely physical structures housing artefacts, but comprehensive institutions that reflected the historical events, progress, and decline of a region.

They were speaking at an event held at the Swat Museum to mark the 49th International Museum Day. This year’s theme, “Museums for Education and Research in Rapidly Changing Societies,” served as a focal point for discussions among heritage experts, researchers, students, teachers, and community elders.

Speaking at the event, curator of the Swat Museum, Nawazuddin, said: “Museums are living institutions that connect the past with the present. They educate, inspire, and preserve the stories of civilisations that shaped our world.”

The participants highlighted the growing collaboration between Pakistan and China in the field of heritage preservation, describing it as a beacon of hope for the protection of shared human history.

Event held in Swat to mark International Museum Day

“The friendship between Pakistan and China has extended into the cultural sphere, offering mutual learning and long-term cooperation to safeguard invaluable heritage,” said one of the keynote speakers.

Speakers also reflected on the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations, tracing them back to the ancient Silk Road.

“Even today, the echo of camel bells along the ancient Silk Road reminds us of our longstanding cultural ties,” said a heritage activist. He pointed to the legendary Chinese monk Xuanzang (also known as Tang Monk), whose westward journey in search of Buddhist scriptures brought him to present-day Pakistan, where he lived and studied in various temples.

The audience was informed that in 2019, Pakistan and China signed a formal agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation in the field of cultural heritage. The agreement covers archaeological research, the training of professionals, exhibition exchanges, and other collaborative efforts. This partnership gained further momentum in 2023 when China launched the Asian Cultural Heritage Conservation Alliance, with Pakistan joining enthusiastically.

“This alliance promotes regional collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding among Asian nations regarding cultural conservation,” said a guest speaker.

The event also emphasised the growing intersection of science, technology, and literature in redefining the social role of museums. Under the ‘Guardians of Gandhara’ initiative launched in 2023, Chinese and Pakistani experts and volunteers have been working together to restore cultural relics and launch heritage education courses.

“Creative activities such as the ‘Naang Classes’ have successfully ignited awareness and appreciation for heritage among young people,” noted a participant.

The speakers also discussed the ‘Preservation + Education’ model, which aims to democratise knowledge of heritage conservation by making it accessible to the wider public. This approach seeks to foster a stronger connection between communities and their living cultural history.

Looking ahead, advanced Chinese heritage teams are expected to introduce 3D modelling and digital restoration technologies at various archaeological sites across Pakistan.

These techniques will support the accurate preservation of artefacts and help present Pakistan’s millennia-old civilisation to the world in a more engaging and scientifically supported manner.

A major future initiative discussed at the event was the proposed ‘China-Pakistan Cultural Origin Discovery’ tourism route, which will connect China’s Mogao Caves in Dunhuang with Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage sites such as Takht-i-Bahi.

The route will form part of the ‘Silk Road Cultural Experience’ project, aimed at offering a comprehensive cultural journey. Virtual museums and online educational platforms featuring short videos, interactive games, and other learning activities are also planned to attract the younger generation.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2025