UNESCO Representative in Pakistan, Mr. 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 UNESCO delegation during the visit.
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.
On the occasion, Mr. Fuad Pashayev also planted a tree at the site, symbolising the importance of environmental conservation and the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.
On the occasion, Mr. Fuad Pashayev appreciated the efforts of the National Heritage and Culture Division, under the leadership of Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, 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, have 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 Aurangzeb Khan Khichi 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 Mr. Fuad Pashayev to join the opening ceremony of Shah Allah Ditta Caves.
The Federal 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.
The Pharwala Fort, Mai Qamro Mosque and the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan have undergone conservation and preservation work in accordance with internationally recognised conservation principles. Facilities for visitors, including seating arrangements, washrooms and landscaping, have also been developed to improve the tourist experience.
Mr. Fuad Pashayev appreciated Pakistan’s continued efforts for the protection of its tangible and intangible cultural heritage and stressed the importance of preserving historical sites for future generations.
The visit highlighted the continued cooperation between the National Heritage and Culture Division, the Department of Archaeology and Museums and UNESCO for the preservation, promotion and international recognition of Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage.
