THE government’s decision to expand its Unesco World Heritage list from 25 to 37 sites is a welcome move that promises to boost our global heritage profile and generate tourism opportunities. The latest additions — Bazira-Barikot, the Bhamala Buddhist Complex, Sethi House, the Mai Qamro Mosque, Pharwala Fort, the Kalasha Valley Cultural Landscape and the Gor Khatri Archaeological Complex among them — symbolise this region’s multiple rebirths. Pakistan’s historical wealth — from fortified edifices to living traditions — is a part of its civilisational legacy. Sadly, criminal cartels have long exploited poor law enforcement and economic frailty to plunder treasures, especially in Punjab and KP. More inscriptions will go a long way towards stemming the erosion of ancient marvels.

Antiquity is a celebration of diversity. It also maps our identity. In Pakistan, regrettably, even restoration work triggers concern as it is merely cosmetic and hardly an exercise in transparency, accountability, cooperation and respect for academic opinion. Science, and engagement with historians and international preservation experts, must guide our efforts to save historical bequests. Additionally, specialised training, modern methods, tightened borders and site security are vital to prevent damage and theft. Climate-related destruction has exposed already vulnerable sites, while poverty forces the underprivileged to resort to illegal excavations. Meanwhile, rules are meaningless unless they are faithfully implemented. Persistent danger to the most precious parts of this land imperil Pakistan’s position as it pursues wider respect on the world heritage stage. Archaeologists have for decades unearthed the layers of time hidden in Kushan, Buddhist, Roman, Ghaznavid, Scythian, and Mughal remains. The fact that just one site — Peshawar’s Gor Khatri — bears the imprints of 13 civilisations shows how essential it is for Pakistan to demonstrate sustained political commitment towards preserving the past for future generations.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2026