Bareendo (Bhorindo), one of the oldest surviving folk instruments of Sindh, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in need of urgent safeguarding. The decision was adopted at the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Bareendo is a clay wind instrument whose origins trace back to the 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilization. It is a symbol of Sindh’s spiritual and communal traditions. For centuries, its soft and meditative tones have accompanied winter gatherings, Sufi practices, and rural celebrations. Today, however, the tradition is endangered, with only one master musician, Ustaad Faqeer Zulfiqar, and one master potter, Allah Jurio, preserving its complete knowledge.
The nomination of Bareendo as an ICH in urgent need of safeguarding is the result of an intensive consultative process between the Government of Sindh, Pakistan Mission’s to UNESCO in France and the UNESCO Headquarters. It was inspired by a community-led and participatory process in the village of Keti Mir Muhammad Loond village in Sindh province to protecting Bareendo as a cultural heritage. Their efforts shaped the comprehensive Four-Year Safeguarding Plan (2026–2029), which includes the establishment of a community music school, integration of Bareendo heritage into formal and informal education, and the use of digital platforms to expand cultural outreach. UNESCO’s inscription will support the conservation process.
Permanent Delegate of Pakistan to UNESCO Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch welcomed the decision of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee to inscribe Bareendo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in urgent need of safeguarding. “The inscription of Bareendo is a proud moment for Pakistan and a tribute to the communities who have preserved this ancient instrument and music for generations. Bareendo is not only an emblem of the Indus Valley’s cultural continuity but also a living expression of Sindh’s artistic and spiritual heritage.”
“This recognition by UNESCO reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to the protection and promotion of our diverse cultural traditions. We look forward to working closely with UNESCO to ensure that the knowledge, craftsmanship, and musical identity of the Bareendo is transmitted to future generations”, she said.
