Rawalpindi:Director-General Unesco Dr Khalid El-Enany praised Punjab’s archaeological conservation practices during his visit to the Taxila World Heritage Site, describing them as professionally managed and aligned with international standards, says a press release.
Dr El-Enany was received by the Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Punjab Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafique and Pakistan’s Representative to the Unesco Executive Board. He was given a briefing at the Taxila Museum, followed by visits to key archaeological sites including Bir Mound and Sirkap.
Officials from the Directorate General of Archaeology Punjab briefed the Unesco chief on the historical significance of Taxila, ongoing excavations and conservation measures being undertaken to protect the site’s Outstanding Universal Value. Dr El-Enany appreciated the scientific methodology, institutional discipline and attention to detail reflected in conservation work across the complex.
He also interacted with student archaeologists engaged in fieldwork, acknowledging their academic contribution to research and sustainable heritage preservation. The Unesco chief emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration between Punjab Archaeology and international institutions, offering technical assistance in capacity building, site management and institutional development. He commended the Punjab government’s efforts to improve World Heritage Sites, such as Taxila and Rohtas Fort, stressing the importance of providing better visitor facilities and creating people-centric heritage spaces.
Dr El-Enany lauded the leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and acknowledged Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb’s role in advancing Punjab’s cultural agenda.
Secretary Tourism Socrat Aman Rana highlighted the political will behind the initiatives and outlined the phased implementation of the Taxila Heritage City Plan. Director General Archaeology Punjab Zaheer Abbas Malik briefed the delegation on future priorities and alignment with international best practices.
