UN Warns of Delisting Taxila from World Heritage Sites List

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has warned Pakistan to reverse recent conservation work at two historic sites in Taxila or risk having the World Heritage Site placed on its List of World Heritage in Danger, with the possibility of being removed from the prestigious list altogether.

According to officials from the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, UNESCO raised concerns over restoration work carried out by the Punjab archaeology department at Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, saying the interventions compromised the authenticity and integrity of the ancient structures.

The issue came to light after photographs of the sites were shared with Pakistan’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO in Paris earlier this year.

The UN agency reportedly observed that original walls had been replaced or extended using modern masonry, making the new construction easily distinguishable from the centuries-old stonework. UNESCO has since sought detailed documentation, including heritage impact assessments, before-and-after photographs, engineering drawings, laboratory reports on construction materials, and archaeological studies related to the conservation work.

A joint technical inspection involving UNESCO, the Department of Archaeology and Museums, and the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture was conducted at Taxila on June 12.

During the visit, the Punjab archaeology department presented its justification for the work, maintaining that the interventions were necessary conservation measures rather than reconstruction.

Punjab Archaeology Director General Malik Zaheer Abbas rejected claims that the sites had been reconstructed, saying the work follows internationally accepted conservation principles aimed at stabilizing vulnerable structures and preventing further deterioration.

He added that international experts were briefed on the project during their visit and that the department remains committed to transparency.

The controversy comes at a critical time for Pakistan, which is seeking UNESCO recognition for additional heritage sites, including Rani Ghat and Bhanbhore.

Officials fear the dispute over Taxila could weaken the country’s case at the upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting. Taxila previously faced similar scrutiny in 1998, when the proposed construction of a stadium near Bhir Mound briefly placed the site on UNESCO’s danger list before the project was abandoned.