Pakistan Adds 12 New Sites

Pakistan has requested UNESCO to consider Rani Ghat and Banbhore for the World Heritage List, following the expansion of its tentative list from 25 to 37 properties. This move aims to promote the country's archaeological wealth as a cultural and economic asset.

The expansion of the tentative list includes 12 new cultural and heritage sites added this year, showcasing Pakistan's rich history and diverse cultural landscape. The World Heritage Committee has acknowledged conservation progress at Mohenjodaro and Makli, two of Pakistan's existing listed sites, but notes that considerable work remains to be done.

Mohenjodaro still requires attention to drainage, salinity, and an integrated management plan, while Makli needs sustained conservation and adequate financial and human resources. These challenges highlight the need for Pakistan to prioritize conservation of its existing listed sites, in addition to seeking recognition for new ones.

Pakistan has six properties already inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the country must ensure that these sites are protected and preserved for future generations. The recognition of Rani Ghat and Banbhore as World Heritage sites could help attract scholarship, tourism, and conservation funding, but it is crucial that this enthusiasm is matched by a commitment to conservation and management.

## Why it matters The conservation of Pakistan's cultural and heritage sites is not only important for the country's cultural identity but also has significant economic implications. Tourism revenues can be a valuable source of income, but they must be transparently reinvested in preservation, with local communities given a stake in the management and conservation of these sites. As Pakistan seeks to promote its archaeological wealth, it must also prioritize the protection and preservation of its existing listed sites, ensuring that recognition does not become an end in itself, but rather a means to promote and conserve the country's rich cultural heritage.

## What happens next The World Heritage Committee will consider Pakistan's request to include Rani Ghat and Banbhore on the World Heritage List. In the meantime, the country must continue to work on conserving and managing its existing listed sites, including Mohenjodaro, Makli, Lahore Fort, and Shalamar Gardens. By prioritizing conservation and management, Pakistan can ensure that its cultural and heritage sites are protected for future generations, while also promoting its archaeological wealth as a cultural and economic asset.