THIS is with reference to the editorial ‘Citadel of history’ (Sept 6) which highlighted the importance of Lahore in terms of heritage tourism. Lahore is undoubtedly the cultural capital of Pakistan. We really need to ask some scathing questions about the approach of provincial and federal governments to the issue of heritage tourism in the country.

What syncretic values do we espouse or support at provincial, divisional, district or tehsil levels? What regional iconic remnants have we renovated or even identified? Is there any punishment for negligence towards and plunder of priceless national relics? How many museums are there in the country? Some of the museums have been established during the British era. Why are we averse to establishing new ones? What will it take to establish museums at tehsil and sub-tehsil levels? We really need to start heritage diplomacy with countries that host Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu communities around the world. For this to happen, our policymakers must shed their negative thinking about other religions.

Additionally, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as well as the Higher Education Departments (HEDs) need to include Heritage Studies in their respective curricula. Finally, heritage enthusiasts and experts need to be engaged to unmask the many lesser known aspects of Pakistan.

Muhammad Arif Khan
Kurram

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2026