Three cultural and archaeological landmarks in Pakistan’s Sindh province have been included in UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites, according to state media reports released on Tuesday.
The sites — Kot Diji Fort, Naukot Fort, and Umerkot Fort — were selected in recognition of their historical, cultural, and archaeological significance.
Placement on UNESCO’s tentative list represents the first stage in the process of obtaining full World Heritage status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which recognizes locations of exceptional cultural or natural importance.
Sindh Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, said the inclusion would help showcase Sindh’s rich cultural heritage on the international stage and contribute to its global recognition, according to Radio Pakistan.
Sindh is home to some of South Asia’s oldest civilizations, including traces of the Indus Valley Civilization, along with centuries-old architectural traditions and cultural heritage.
Kot Diji Fort, built in the 18th century, along with Naukot and Umerkot forts, are historic desert fortifications linked to regional defense systems and trade routes in Sindh.
UNESCO’s official website confirms that all three sites are now part of its tentative list, which serves as an inventory of properties countries plan to nominate for future inscription.
Only sites included on this list are eligible for consideration for full World Heritage status, a process that typically involves detailed evaluation over several years.
Pakistan already hosts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Mohenjo-daro, Taxila, Lahore Fort, and the Shalimar Gardens, with new additions to the tentative list seen as a step toward expanding its global cultural representation.
Source: Dunya News
