Unesco asked to add Rani Ghat, Banbhore to heritage list

Unesco asked to add Rani Ghat, Banbhore to heritage list.

Key points

• Jamal ShahidAmjad Iqbal Published September 3, 2026 Updated September 3, 2026 07: 41am.
• The request was created during a gathering between Unesco Representative in Pakistan Fuad Pashayev and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.
• Culinary traditions of Makai Roti & Saag, Sajji, Biryani and Chapli Kebab proposed for listing as 'Intangible Cultural Heritage'.
• The session was informed that a visit by the World Heritage Committee to Banbhore was projected from September 6 to 11.
• While delegations from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are additionally anticipated to visit Pakistan in October and November, an international Gand­hara conference is scheduled for November.

Jamal ShahidAmjad Iqbal Published September 3, 2026 Updated September 3, 2026 07: 41am. Join our Whatsapp Channel. Add Dawn as a trusted source.

ISLAMABAD/TAXILA: Pakis­tan on Wednesday requested Unesco to facilitate the inclusion of two key heritage sites, Rani Ghat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Port of Banbhore in Sindh, in the Unesco World Heritage List.

Notably, the request was created during a gathering between Unesco Representative in Pakistan Fuad Pashayev and Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. The Unesco World Heritage Centre at present catalogues Pakistan's Tentative List at 37 properties, including the archaeological site of Rani Ghat and the Port of Banbhore.

Meanwhile, the session was informed that a visit by the World Heritage Committee to Banbhore was projected from September 6 to 11.

Notably, the minister additionally requ­ested the UN body for assistance in the inclusion of four selected Pakistani foods and culinary traditions in the Intangible Cultural Heritage framework. These foods incl­ude Makai Roti and Saag (Punjab), Balochi Sajji, Sin­dhi Biryani, and Chapli Ke­bab (Khyber Pakht­unk­hwa).

Separately, Imran Shau­kat, coordinator of the PM's Task Force on Gandhara, remarked they planned to expand Gandhara exhibitions overseas and establish dedicated 'Gandhara Corners' to showcase Pakistan's Buddhist heritage.

Mr Shaukat remarked the task force was considering allocating five to 10 acres around selected Gandhara sites where Buddhist schools and institutions could establish research and meditation centres to facilitate extended visits to individual archaeological sites.

While delegations from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are additionally anticipated to visit Pakistan in October and November, an international Gand­hara conference is scheduled for November. Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2026.

Jamal Shahid is an Islamabad-based reporter for Dawn with over two decades of experience. As well as diplomatic events, climate change, and human rights problems in the capital, he covers the Public Accounts Committee and the National Assembly's Question Hour.

Amjad Iqbal is a Taxila-based correspondent for Dawn with over two decades of experience. As well as archaeology and religious tourism, his reporting focuses on social, educational, and health sector problems. He is on X at @AmjadIqbalDawn.

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