Pakistan Pushes Two Historic Sites for UNESCO Heritage Status

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has asked UNESCO to support the inclusion of Rani Ghat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Port of Banbhore in Sindh on the UNESCO World Heritage List, seeking greater international recognition and protection for two important archaeological sites.

The request was made by Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi during a meeting with UNESCO Representative in Pakistan Fuad Pashayev on September 2, 2026. Pakistan also requested technical assistance to advance heritage nominations and strengthen conservation efforts.

Both sites are already included on UNESCO’s Tentative List, which contains properties that a country intends to consider for future nomination to the World Heritage List. UNESCO currently records 37 Pakistani properties on the country’s Tentative List.

1. Rani Ghat and the Gandhara Heritage

Rani Ghat is an archaeological site in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, an area strongly associated with the ancient Gandhara civilization.

Gandhara became an important center of Buddhist culture, art, architecture and cultural exchange across South Asia. Rani Ghat is among the archaeological locations preserving evidence of this broader cultural landscape and has been on Pakistan’s UNESCO Tentative List for years.

Pakistan hopes international recognition would strengthen archaeological research, conservation and cultural tourism around the site.

2. Banbhore and an Ancient Port

The Port of Banbhore represents another chapter of South Asian heritage.

Located in Sindh, the archaeological site preserves a sequence of occupation dating from approximately the first century BC to the 13th century AD. UNESCO describes Banbhore as an important example of an early Islamic urban settlement and one of the region’s best-preserved medieval ports.

The site contains a large limestone fortification measuring approximately 610 by 305 meters, with 46 rounded bastions and three gates. Its location reflects the importance of maritime connections and trade across the wider Sindh region.

Pakistan’s latest push comes as the country expands its heritage agenda. UNESCO’s 2026 Tentative List additions include sites such as Bazira-Barikot, Bhamala Buddhist Complex, Pharwala Fort, Rewat Fort, Sethi House and the Archaeological Complex of Gor Khatri.

Pakistan is also seeking UNESCO recognition for four culinary traditions: Makai Roti and Saag, Balochi Sajji, Sindhi Biryani and Chapli Kebab under the Intangible Cultural Heritage framework.

The campaign reflects a broader effort to turn Pakistan’s archaeological wealth into a stronger tool for heritage preservation, research and cultural tourism.

For now, Rani Ghat and Banbhore remain on the Tentative List. Their inclusion in the World Heritage List would require the formal UNESCO nomination and evaluation process.