Gakhar heritage sites get UNESCO recognition
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Monday inaugurated several historic heritage sites associated with the Gakhar legacy in the Islamabad region situated next to Soan riverbank, including the approximately 450-year-old Mai Qamro Mosque, 350-year-old Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan and nearly 1,000-year-old Pharwala Tomb.
These sites have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, marking an important step towards their recognition and preservation at the international level. According to the Ministry, the Department of Archaeology and Museums had made exceptional efforts to secure the inclusion of the historic sites on the UNESCO Tentative List.
A PC-I costing approximately Rs54 million was approved and included in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), while work on the project had been continuing for around three years since its commencement in 2022.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Federal Minister said the government was committed to protecting Pakistan's historical and cultural heritage and promoting these sites as destinations for domestic and international tourists, researchers and scholars. He also inspected the facilities and conservation work carried out at the sites.
He said CCTV cameras had been installed, security guards hired and gardeners deployed to ensure the protection and upkeep of the heritage sites. Conservation, repair, preservation, landscaping and other development works had also been undertaken.
The Department of Archaeology and Museums had carried out proper demarcation and succeeded in recovering approximately 48 kanals of land that had been occupied by different local individuals. The recovered land was subsequently fenced, landscaped and developed into a garden, while seating and other basic facilities were provided for visitors.
He emphasised that further work was required to improve accessibility, particularly the construction of a proper road leading to the historic sites.
He said that after being briefed by the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) about the historic sites of Bagh Jogian and the surrounding area, including Mai Qamro Mosque, the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan, Pharwala Fort and Rawat Fort, he had directed the department to complete the repair and renovation work as soon as possible.
The Gakhars of Potohar had a deep connection with the region's history, culture and identity. The Minister said he was surprised and delighted to learn that such a rich historical and cultural heritage existed within Islamabad and its surrounding region. He noted that there was a common misconception that development and history in Islamabad began only after the establishment of the federal capital in the 1960s.
The Minister described the inclusion as a major first step by the Government of Pakistan towards internationally highlighting the sacrifices, history and cultural heritage of the Gakhar people. He expressed hope that once the remaining UNESCO requirements were fulfilled, the four sites would ultimately achieve World Heritage status, attracting tourists and scholars from around the world.