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PESHAWAR, Jul 30 (APP):A delegation from UNESCO on Wednesday met with Dr. Abdul Samad, Secretary of the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Archeology, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to discuss the inclusion of additional heritage sites from the province in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
According to a spokesperson from the KP Tourism Department, the meeting focused particularly on enhanced preservation efforts at the Takht-i-Bahi site, with broader discussions around potential new nominations from the province.
The UNESCO delegation included Ms. Cristina, Dr. Luca Maria Olivieri, and Jawad, who informed Dr. Abdul Samad that UNESCO is currently reorganizing its World Heritage List.
They assured full cooperation if the provincial government wishes to nominate new sites or propose modifications to the current listings.
Dr. Abdul Samad expressed strong interest on behalf of the provincial government in nominating Jamalgarhi and Barikot, the two historically significant archaeological sites that meet all key international criteria for heritage recognition.
He also highlighted comprehensive steps taken to preserve Takht-i-Bahi, one of Pakistan’s most visited heritage sites, which attracts 2,000 to 3,000 visitors monthly, and up to 20,000 during holidays like Eid.
He noted plans to expand the buffer zone, construct an international-standard boundary wall, and establish a mini museum and ticket shop at Takht-i-Bahi.
The site’s topographical survey has already been completed, marking a milestone in Pakistan’s heritage documentation efforts.
In addition, Dr. Abdul Samad briefed the delegation on ongoing preservation efforts at Rani Gatt, where 2,000 kanals of land have been secured to establish a long-term protective buffer zone around the site.
The UNESCO delegation praised these initiatives and assured that the efforts, particularly concerning Takht-i-Bahi, Jamalgarhi, Barikot, and Rani Gatt would be prominently highlighted in an upcoming UNESCO seminar.
This collaboration reflects Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s commitment to protecting its cultural legacy and promoting its historical landmarks for global recognition.
Takht-i-Bahi, a well-preserved monastic complex from the 1st century CE, is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jamalgarhi and Barikot are also of significant archaeological and historical importance, and UNESCO’s World Heritage List recognizes such sites for their universal value to humanity.