BY: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD—The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, met at Parliament House to review heritage conservation efforts, UNESCO’s observations on the Taxila archaeological sites, and the repatriation of smuggled Pakistani artefacts from the United States.
The Committee was informed that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, heritage conservation became a provincial responsibility and that restoration work at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap in Taxila is being carried out by the Punjab Government in accordance with UNESCO conservation guidelines. Officials said UNESCO had sought additional information regarding the restoration work, which had been provided, and no further concerns had been raised.
Members were briefed that Pakistan currently has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while dossiers for 24 additional sites have been submitted for future inscription. The Committee also reviewed plans to develop Taxila as a heritage city, including proposals for an open-air museum and improved visitor facilities.
Senator Bushra Anjum stressed the need for stronger federal oversight of heritage conservation, enhanced tourism infrastructure, and strict adherence to UNESCO standards in all restoration projects.
The Committee directed the Ministry to share UNESCO’s formal response once received and recommended a visit by members to the Taxila archaeological sites to review conservation work firsthand.
The Committee also reviewed the repatriation of Pakistani archaeological artefacts from the United States. Officials informed members that 513 artefacts, primarily belonging to the Gandhara civilisation, had been recovered and returned to Pakistan under bilateral cooperation. Plans are underway to establish a new museum for their preservation and public display.
Members sought details of investigations into the smuggling network, the individuals involved, and the total number of missing artefacts. The Ministry was directed to submit a comprehensive report on the recovery process, the estimated value of the artefacts, and the status of ongoing investigations.
The Committee also sought a detailed briefing at its next meeting on reports regarding the demolition of a historic Mughal-era arch near Rohara Village.
Concluding the meeting, Chairman Senator Hidayatullah Khan reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s cultural and archaeological heritage through effective conservation, stronger institutional coordination, enhanced tourism planning, and strict action against the illegal trafficking of antiquities.
