KARACHI:
The Pakistani government has decided to add more places to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Previously, there were 26 sites; now there are 37 in total. It is a good step as it will improve Pakistan’s image globally and attract more tourism. Pakistan has a lot of rich cultural history, from old forts to living traditions, but we are not taking care of it as we should be.
There are criminal gangs who steal vintage artefacts and sell them, especially in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, because of weak laws and poverty. And when the government restores old sites, it is often just for show. There is no transparency, no experts and no accountability. Thus, historical places should be restored properly and there should be stronger laws to protect them.
Shari Iqbal
Tijaban
