Punjab Highlights Global-Standard Heritage Conservation at Taxila

Dr. Ansab Ali, Lahore
LAHORE, Pakistan — UNESCO’s chief praised Pakistan’s Punjab province for professionally managed archaeological conservation practices that align with international standards during a visit to the ancient Taxila World Heritage Site.
Director-General UNESCO Dr. Khalid El-Enany described the conservation work at Taxila as reflecting scientific methodology, institutional discipline, and attention to detail during his tour of the archaeological complex.
The UNESCO chief was received by 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.
Dr. El-Enany received a briefing at the Taxila Museum before visiting key archaeological sites including Bir Mound and Sirkap, where officials from the Directorate General of Archaeology Punjab explained the historical significance of Taxila, ongoing excavations, and conservation measures protecting the site’s Outstanding Universal Value.
The UNESCO director-general interacted with student archaeologists engaged in fieldwork, acknowledging their academic contribution to research and sustainable heritage preservation.
Dr. El-Enany emphasized strengthening 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 better visitor facilities and people-centric heritage spaces.
Under the Punjab government’s Magnificent Punjab Programme, officials presented a documentary on the Taxila Heritage City initiative and shared a comprehensive master plan for upgrading the Taxila Museum and other heritage assets. The plan aims to integrate heritage conservation with urban planning and cultural tourism.
Dr. El-Enany lauded the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and acknowledged Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb’s role in advancing the province’s cultural agenda.
Dr. Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah said Punjab had, for the first time, allocated substantial resources for tourism development alongside heritage protection, adding that UNESCO’s technical support will help strengthen institutional capacity.
Secretary Tourism Socrat Aman Rana highlighted the political will behind the initiatives and outlined 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.
Taxila, located near Islamabad, was a major center of learning in ancient times and contains ruins from the Gandhara civilization dating back over 2,000 years. The site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.