Lawmakers review heritage conservation

Officials assure compliance with international preservation standards

ISLAMABAD:

The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture on Monday reviewed issues raised by UNESCO regarding conservation work undertaken at the World Heritage archaeological sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap in Taxila, with officials assuring lawmakers that all restoration and preservation work had been carried out in full compliance with UNESCO guidelines and internationally recognised conservation standards.

The committee was informed that, following Pakistan's submission of the required technical documentation, UNESCO has not raised any further objections to the conservation project.

The meeting, held at Parliament House, was chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan and attended by Senators Abdul Wasey, Bushra Anjum, Sarmad Ali and Syed Waqar Mehdi, along with the Secretary for National Heritage and Culture and other senior officials.

During a detailed briefing, officials said responsibility for the protection and conservation of archaeological heritage had been devolved to the provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, following which the Punjab government completed restoration projects at the Mohra Moradu and Sirkap archaeological sites.

According to the briefing, UNESCO had sought clarifications regarding the conservation methodology, the construction materials used, the restoration techniques adopted for certain walls, and the height of the reconstructed sections.

The Punjab government subsequently submitted a comprehensive technical response addressing all observations, after which UNESCO communicated no further concerns

Officials further informed the committee that the conservation plan for the Taxila World Heritage Site had been prepared in accordance with recommendations made by UNESCO, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and the Urban Unit.

The restoration strategy, they said, adhered to internationally accepted conservation principles, including structural stabilisation of historic remains, scientifically based restoration techniques, traditional protective wall capping, improved drainage systems and the clear visual distinction between original and restored structures.

During the meeting, Senator Mehdi sought details of UNESCO's observations. In response, officials stated that every issue had been addressed comprehensively on scientific and technical grounds, adding that micro-cleaning and structural strengthening of the archaeological remains had also been completed in accordance with international standards.