ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested UNESCO’s support to facilitate the inclusion of Rani Ghat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the historic Port of Banbhore in Sindh on the World Heritage List.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi raised the matter during a meeting with UNESCO Representative in Pakistan Fuad Pashayev.
Officials said Pakistan currently has 37 properties on UNESCO’s World Heritage tentative list, including the archaeological site of Rani Ghat and the Port of Banbhore.
Furthermore, officials informed the meeting that a World Heritage Committee visit to Banbhore is expected from September 6 to 11.
Pakistan Seeks Recognition for Traditional Foods
Meanwhile, Khichi requested UNESCO’s assistance in seeking recognition for four Pakistani foods and culinary traditions under the Intangible Cultural Heritage framework.
The proposed traditions include Punjab’s Makai Roti and Saag, Balochi Sajji, Sindhi Biryani and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Chapli Kebab.
The initiative forms part of Pakistan’s broader efforts to promote its cultural, archaeological and culinary heritage internationally.
Government Plans to Expand Gandhara Heritage Promotion
Separately, Imran Shaukat, coordinator of the prime minister’s task force on Gandhara, said authorities plan to expand Gandhara exhibitions overseas and establish dedicated Gandhara Corners to showcase Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage.
Moreover, the task force is considering allocating between five and 10 acres near selected Gandhara sites where Buddhist schools and institutions could establish research and meditation centres.
Pakistan will also host an international Gandhara conference in November as part of efforts to strengthen cultural and religious tourism.
Additionally, delegations from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are expected to visit Pakistan in October and November.
The initiatives aim to increase international recognition of Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage while strengthening cooperation with UNESCO and countries interested in the region’s Buddhist archaeological legacy.
