US-funded Makli tomb preservation project completed

Heritage sites remind us of historical experiences of humanity, says US consul-general

The United States (US) recognises that the cultural heritage sites in Pakistan are essential reminders of the historical experiences of humanity and conservation efforts should be carried for the preservation of such sites so that they continue telling stories of the past.

This was said by US Consul-General Grace Shelton during her visit to Makli on Sunday to attend the completion ceremony of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project for the preservation of the tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad at the cemetery.

Makli is one of the greatest historical sites situated in Sindh. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) included Makli in the list of world heritage sites in 1981. The vast necropolis near Thatta city includes tombs of royals, governors, saints, scholars, and philosophers from the 14th to 18th centuries.



The US government, through the AFCP, has provided more than $260,000 to restore the ancient tombs at the Unesco world heritage site. "The Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation is a centerpiece of America's partnership with Pakistan in the area of art and culture," Shelton said at the ceremony.

The AFCP supports preservation of cultural sites, relics and ancient cultural traditions in more than 100 countries around the world.