UNESCO Issues Ultimatum Over Taxila Site Interventions
UNESCO has demanded that Pakistan reverse what it terms "reconstructions" at two historical sites in Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or face placement on the agency's "danger list" and potential delisting, according to a media report on Thursday.
The UN cultural arm, during a recent meeting with senior Pakistani government officials, warned it would not hesitate to delist the sites at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, citing "unnecessary interventions" that compromised their authenticity and integrity. The agency referenced a precedent in Germany, where a World Heritage Site was previously delisted for similar reasons, the Dawn newspaper reported, quoting sources.
Details of the Alleged Reconstructions
Taxila, located in Rawalpindi district of Punjab province, is a vast serial site encompassing a Mesolithic cave, archaeological remains of four early settlement sites, Buddhist monasteries, and a mosque and madrassa. According to the UNESCO website, the ruins reveal urban evolution on the Indian subcontinent over more than five centuries.
In March, a visitor shared information and pictures with Pakistan's Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris, highlighting reconstruction works by the Punjab archaeology department. The visitor observed interventions that could "affect the authenticity and integrity of the property, specifically original walls being replaced with new construction or their height being raised."
Photos showed fresh masonry works replacing some ancient walls, with reconstruction increasing wall heights. The report noted that old stones, irregular in size, were clearly distinguishable from modern building material, which appeared polished and uniform.
Official Response and Conservation Claims
Last month, a joint technical visit was conducted by UNESCO, the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), and the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division to the Taxila Museum. UNESCO had requested specific documentation regarding conservation and restoration works at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, an official said.
Punjab Archaeology Department Director General Malik Zaheer Abbas contested the characterization of the work as "reconstruction." According to Dawn, he stated: "The interventions being undertaken are conservation measures based on internationally accepted conservation principles, with the primary objective of stabilising vulnerable archaeological remains, preventing further deterioration, and preserving the authenticity and integrity of these World Heritage properties." He added, "At present, there is no question of 'reversing reconstruction' because the works are conservation interventions, not reconstruction."
Impact and Next Steps
UNESCO's warning places significant pressure on Pakistan to address the concerns or risk losing the World Heritage status of Taxila, a site of immense historical and cultural value. The agency has indicated that failure to reverse the interventions could lead to listing on the "danger list" and eventual delisting. The Punjab archaeology department maintains its position that the work is conservation, not reconstruction, setting the stage for further dialogue between Pakistani authorities and UNESCO.
