ISLAMABAD: Unesco Representative in Pakistan Fuad Pashayev along with Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi visited the historic Pharwala Fort, Mai Qamro Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan on Tuesday.

Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani also accompanied the delegation. Officials of the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM) briefed the Unesco representative about the historical, archaeological and cultural significance of the sites, as well as the conservation and preservation work carried out by the department.

Fuad Pashayev also planted a sapling at the site, symbolising the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations. Pashayev appreciated the efforts of the National Heritage and Culture Division for the preservation and promotion of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and the historic legacy of the Gakhar tribe.

He was informed that the historic sites, including Pharwala Fort, Mai Qamro Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan, had been included in Pakistan’s Unesco World Heritage Tentative List. He expressed satisfaction over the conservation and preservation efforts undertaken for these important heritage sites in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

The Unesco representative was also briefed about the history of the Gakhar tribe, its historical role in the region and the significance of these monuments. Federal Minister Khichi also expressed satisfaction over the conservation work being carried out by the Department of Archaeology and Museums.

He said that the government was committed to preserving and promoting Pakistan’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage for future generations.

The minister said that Shah Allah Ditta Caves would be inaugurated and opened for visitors in the first half of October as part of efforts to promote the region’s rich Gandhara heritage and cultural tourism. He invited Fuad Pashayev to join the opening ceremony of Shah Allah Ditta Caves.

The minister said that the conservation and development of historic sites would not only help preserve Pakistan’s invaluable cultural heritage but would also promote domestic and international tourism.

A statement issued by the ministry claimed that the Pharwala Fort, Mai Qamro Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan had undergone conservation and preservation work in accordance with internationally recognised conservation principles.

Facilities for visitors, including seating arrangements, washrooms and landscaping, had also been developed to improve the tourist experience.

Published in Dawn, September 9th, 2026