Ambassador Baloch Reaffirms Pakistan’s Commitment To Heritage Conservation At UNESCO Session

Umer Jamshaid Published July 10, 2025 | 11:00 PM

PARIS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 10th Jul, 2025) Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to heritage conservation as the World Heritage Committee (WHC) approved the State of Conservation Report of the Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens during its 47th session at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

The WHC, which oversees the protection and conservation of World Heritage sites globally under the World Heritage Convention of 1972, reviewed the condition of the Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens—two of Pakistan’s most iconic cultural landmarks inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1981.

In the report's review, the Committee acknowledged the significant progress made in preserving the historic sites, especially commending the high standard of restoration work carried out at the Lahore Fort. It also welcomed Pakistan’s proactive engagement in ensuring the protection of these heritage treasures.

Speaking at the session, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed gratitude to the Committee and its advisory bodies for their sustained support. She emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to preserving the Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens, calling them "treasured heritage of universal importance."

“The heritage of Pakistan belongs not just to us but to all humanity. Our commitment to its preservation reflects our respect for shared history and culture,” said Ambassador Baloch.

Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens are among six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Pakistan. The others include the Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, the Buddhist Ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol, the Historical Monuments at Makli, Rohtas Fort, and the ancient city of Taxila.