PESHAWAR: The ancient hills and historic halls of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa echoed with pride and purpose as the province marked World Heritage Day on Saturday, painting a vibrant picture of its timeless cultural legacy and shedding light on determined efforts to shield these treasures from the storms of time, conflict and disaster.

From the sunlit ruins of Takht Bahi to the bustling galleries of Peshawar Museum, archaeological sites and museums across the province buzzed with activity. Students, seasoned archaeologists, historians and enthusiastic locals gathered to celebrate the region’s extraordinary past -- a living bridge connecting empires, faiths and civilisations that once flourished along the fabled Silk Road.

Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums spearheaded the day’s events, turning the occasion into a powerful reminder of heritage’s enduring value. This year’s International Day for Monuments and Sites, marked globally on April 18, carried the timely and urgent theme.

The theme calls for swift and effective action to protect not only stone monuments but also the living traditions, crafts, stories and community practices that breathe life into them when crises strike.

Dr Abdul Samad, the director general of archaeology and museums, addressed the main gathering at Peshawar Museum with heartfelt conviction.

“Our cultural legacy is far more than dusty relics or silent stones. It is the living soul of our identity, a wellspring of inspiration that has nourished generations and will continue to guide those yet to come,” he said.

He said that the directorate was committed to preserving those irreplaceable assets while making them more welcoming and meaningful for education, research and responsible tourism.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stands as a treasure house of human history. The majestic Unesco World Heritage Site of Takht Bahi in Mardan, with its remarkably preserved Buddhist monastery perched on hilltops, offers a breathtaking window into the Gandhara civilisation that flourished more than 2,000 years ago.

Its ancient stupas, monastic cells and intricate carvings speak of a time when art, spirituality and learning blended seamlessly. Complementing this are the serene Buddhist ruins scattered across the lush Swat valley, the fabled ancient city of Pushkalavati in Charsadda, mysterious rock carvings, and forgotten settlements that once hummed with traders, monks and scholars from distant lands.

At the heart of these efforts lies Peshawar Museum, world-renowned for its unmatched collection of Gandhara sculptures, serene Buddha figures, graceful bodhisattvas and vivid scenes from ancient life that continue to captivate visitors. Thanks to the World Bank-assisted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Integrated Tourism Development (KITE) Project and other modernisation drives, museums across the province are receiving thoughtful upgrades including refined display techniques, climate-controlled storage to protect delicate artifacts, digital documentation, interactive exhibits and improved visitor facilities.

By linking heritage protection with sustainable tourism, the directorate aims to keep living traditions -- from traditional crafts and folk festivals to oral histories passed down through generations -- thriving alongside physical monuments.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa heritage is a priceless national and global asset. Through steady upgrades, smart international partnerships and deep community roots, the province is determined to protect this legacy so it continues to inspire, educate and contribute to cultural understanding and economic growth for many generations to come.

In a fast-changing world, such observances remind us that safeguarding the past is not just about stones and statues but it is about preserving the very spirit that shapes who we are.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2026