ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will ratify the 2001 Unesco Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH), a move that would make it the first South Asian nation to officially commit to safeguarding its submerged maritime legacy, a federal minister announced on Friday.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry made the announcement during a meeting with Unesco representative Dr Cristina Menegazzi in Islamabad.

The two discussed collaborating on the documentation, preservation and promotion of the country’s vast underwater archaeological resources.

“We are committed to preserving our maritime cultural heritage and will soon ratify the 2001 Convention,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“This will position Pakistan as a regional leader in protecting underwater cultural heritage and strengthen our voice on international platforms concerning climate change and cultural preservation.”

Pakistan’s underwater heritage includes shipwrecks, submerged landscapes, ancient piers and lighthouses, and historic trade routes along the Arabian Sea.

The minister underscored the government’s commitment to environmentally sound exploration.

“The use of non-invasive technologies like remote sensing, diver-based observation, and photogrammetry will be prioritised, while excavations will only be carried out under strict scientific guidelines.”

The minister also requested Unesco’s assistance in registering historic maritime buildings in Karachi, including over 70-year-old structures such as the Marine Fisheries Department and the Marine Lighthouse. He proposed establishing a maritime historical museum to showcase the coastal legacy.

“Unesco possesses valuable digital archives and marine archaeological data from across the globe,” Mr Chaudhry said. “We wish to collaborate in scientific research and mapping of Pakistan’s underwater cultural heritage.” He added that exploring submerged archaeological sites can aid in climate change research, as the sites serve as indicators of past sea levels and climate patterns.

Dr Menegazzi welcomed Pakistan’s intent to join the global effort and expressed Unesco’s readiness to support technical and scientific cooperation.

Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2025