02/09/2026
Press Release
National Heritage and Culture Division
Pakistan seeks UNESCO’s support to include its 2 sites in permanent list
ISLAMABAD, September 2: Pakistan on Wednesday requested UNESCO to facilitate the inclusion of two key heritage sites, Rani Ghat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Port of Banbhore in Sindh, in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The request was made during a meeting between UNESCO Representative in Pakistan Mr. Fuad Pashayev and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. The UNESCO World Heritage Centre currently lists Pakistan’s Tentative List at 37 properties, including the Archaeological Site of Ranighat and the Port of Banbhore.
During the meeting, it was informed that a World Heritage Committee-related visit to Banbhore was expected to take place from September 6 to 11, 2026, and Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani was also invited to join the delegation.
The Federal Minister sought UNESCO’s special assistance in advancing Pakistan’s heritage nominations and conservation efforts, stressing that several important archaeological and cultural sites required greater attention and international technical support.
Mr. Fuad Pashayev assured the Minister that UNESCO would provide all possible assistance and said the UNESCO office in Pakistan would continue to make heritage preservation and related matters a key priority. He said UNESCO remained committed to supporting Pakistan in preserving its heritage and culture.
The Minister also requested UNESCO’s assistance for the inclusion of four selected Pakistani foods and culinary traditions in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage framework. Mr. Pashayev asked the Ministry to share a list of the proposed food traditions so that they could be examined.
Mr. Pashayev highlighted the possibility of further research into an ancient trade and cultural route linking the Indus Valley Civilisation with regions extending through present-day Iran and Syria towards Mesopotamia. He noted similarities in archaeological materials and artefacts found along these ancient civilisations and suggested that the historical connections deserved further scholarly investigation.
The Federal Minister said Pakistan would consider organising a conference involving historians and archaeologists to examine the proposed ancient route and explore its historical significance.
Mr. Pashayev also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to pursue joint and multinational nominations for inscription on UNESCO’s heritage lists, including cultural elements such as Rubab and Sitar.
Discussing UNESCO workshops and capacity-building activities, the Minister suggested that technical workshops currently being organised at specific archaeological sites should also be held in Islamabad so that relevant officials and technical experts from the federal government and all provinces could benefit.
The Minister further said Pakistan would formally invite UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to attend “Lok Mela,” Pakistan’s major cultural festival, as well as other cultural activities in the country.
Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani said Pakistan would host several major cultural activities during the coming year under its leadership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). He said Lahore had been designated as a centre for SCO cultural activities and that Pakistan would organise multiple cultural events in the country and in collaboration with member states.
The Minister also invited Mr. Pashayev to visit Shah Allah Ditta Caves and Mai Qamro Mosque. He said Shah Allah Ditta Caves were being developed for cultural tourism and were expected to be opened to visitors in the second week of October. Mr. Pashayev assured the Minister that he would make efforts to attend the event.
Mr. Pashayev appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to preserve its tangible and intangible heritage and said every one of the country’s 37 properties on the Tentative List had its own heritage value and significance. He stressed the importance of identifying ways to support the preparation and advancement of these sites.
He said UNESCO would continue to work with Pakistan on advocacy, technical engagement, communication and capacity building, adding that greater visibility and public awareness could help draw attention to the country’s important heritage sites.
The meeting also discussed closer cooperation between Pakistan and UNESCO in heritage conservation, cultural diplomacy, capacity building, and the promotion of Pakistan’s rich tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
