UNESCO Objects to Rohtas Fort Restoration

UNESCO has raised objections to restoration work at Rohtas Fort, saying certain interventions could damage the site’s outstanding universal value.

Rohtas Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage property inscribed in 1997 and recognised for its exceptional early Muslim military architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Centre

The concern came after a Unesco team visited the site on Tuesday following reports from a third party about restoration work that allegedly violated international conservation standards.

UNESCO’s Pakistan office had requested help from the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division to inspect the ongoing project by the Punjab Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums.

According to ministry sources, Unesco wanted to gather information for the World Heritage Centre and assess whether the work complied with its approved guidelines.

The official said this was the second time Unesco had expressed concern over Punjab’s conservation methods.

The issue follows earlier objections over reconstruction work at Taxila’s Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, where Unesco warned Pakistan to reverse changes and submit full documentation.

Officials say the latest concerns could further weaken Pakistan’s case for adding more heritage sites to the World Heritage list.