Countries around the world take pride in their heritage sites. These landmarks tell the stories of long-gone civilisations and offer people a better understanding of their wisdom. Pakistan may be close to 80, but it is fortunate enough to have been created on a land that hosted the Gandhara civilisation. But now, due to the government’s lack of interest, some of these places risk being placed on Unesco’s ‘List of World Heritage in Danger’. The recent news about restoration work at Taxila is worrying. Reports have said that there is concern about the restoration work by the Punjab archaeology department at two important sites, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. The caution comes after a third party recently shared information and photos with Pakistan’s permanent delegate to Unesco. Reports say the original walls may have been altered, rebuilt or repaired with concrete. This is against international conservation rules. When modern materials are used, the site can lose its original look and historical value. In simple words, it stops being truly ‘authentic’.
In its defence, the Punjab archaeology department says it is only trying to protect the sites and improve facilities for visitors. It also says its work is based on proper research and international conservation rules. This suggests that the restoration is being done carefully, not randomly. Given how old these sites are, it is true that some of them were in danger of falling apart, prompting quick action. Officials say this urgency may have involved some visible repairs and argue that they are not adding new structures to the monuments themselves but only improving surrounding facilities. This can help protect the sites while making them easier to visit. Old structures do need care, and better facilities can help tourism. However, conservation is different from construction. The goal should be to protect what already exists, not to rebuild it in a modern way. The entire point of visitors is to see how past civilisations lived and what they did, say, to keep their structures cool and lit. If we take that away from these sites, there is practically nothing left for people to see.
For Pakistan, preserving heritage sites should be the top priority. In the past, these sites were a prime target for extremist elements in the country. Years of hard work were required to restore them once the immediate terror threat was over. This could also be seen as a starting point for both federal and provincial governments to conserve and preserve heritage sites in the country. Something that should be a routine activity must not become an emergency response. While heritage sites are tourist attractions and must provide facilities for visitors, they are an irreplaceable and irreplaceable part of our long history and identity. We have to put more attention and resources towards preserving such sites if we are serious about not losing our identity. Honouring those who once shared our land must be our top priority.
