Key Takeaways
- UNESCO has expressed objections to ongoing restoration works at Rohtas Fort, Pakistan.
- The agency claims the work does not comply with international conservation standards.
- This is the second time UNESCO has raised concerns about similar issues in Taxila heritage sites.
UNESCO has raised serious concerns over the ongoing restoration works at Rohtas Fort, a World Heritage property in Pakistan. The agency's team visited the premises on Tuesday following reports that certain interventions could adversely affect the site’s outstanding universal value.
According to sources within the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division, UNESCO requested assistance from the Ministry to inspect the project being carried out by the Punjab Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums (DGAM).
The official stated that the restoration work was not in line with Unesco’s approved guidelines. 'This is the second time UNESCO has expressed concern with the government of Punjab over its so-called conservation methods,' said a ministry official, adding that these methods do not align with international standards.
Last month, UNESCO had already cautioned Pakistan regarding major reconstruction at Taxila's Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. During their visit, they found ancient stone walls covered with fresh masonry and structures artificially heightened, creating an obvious mismatch with the original fabric.
UNESCO subsequently asked Pakistan to reverse these changes and submit full documentation, such as before-and-after pictures. They warned that Taxila could be placed on the danger list or lose its heritage status altogether. This also jeopardized Pakistan's bid for 24 more heritage sites to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1997.
Explaining further, the official highlighted that changing the design of ancient remains is a serious violation of international laws. 'Restoration, such as a retaining wall, is only permissible to some extent to prevent an ancient remain from collapsing,' he said. 'Altering the design of a historical property can compromise its authenticity.'
The ministry source also pointed out that in some places, original walls have been replaced with new ones at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. He added, 'Restoration and using cement to erect walls of World Heritage sites is a serious violation of UNESCO rules for conservation of archaeological monuments of historical value. This weakens Pakistan’s position.'
Despite these concerns, the request from DGAM to enlist Rani Ghat and Bhambhor has been accepted by UNESCO. However, the office of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani did not respond to repeated requests for comments on conservation efforts at Rohtas Fort.
'This is the second time UNESCO has expressed concern with the government of Punjab over its so-called conservation methods that do not align with international conservation standards.'
A ministry official, Source in the Ministry of National Heritage
'Restoration, such as a retaining wall, is only permissible to some extent to prevent an ancient remain from collapsing. Altering the design of a historical property that has universally significant value can compromise its authenticity.'
A ministry official, Source in the Ministry of National Heritage
