Rohtas Fort ‘restoration works’ on Unesco radar

ISLAMABAD: After expressing concerns on renovations at Taxila heritage sites, Unesco has raised objections to certain interventions at Rohtas Fort that have the potential to adversely affect the outstanding universal value of the World Heritage property.

The concern was raised after Unesco’s team visited the premises on Tuesday, following information from a third party regarding ongoing restoration works at Rohtas Fort that allegedly violated international standards.

Unesco’s Pakistan office had requested the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division to assist the visit to Rohtas Fort to inspect the ongoing project by the Punjab Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums.

According to sources in the Ministry of National Heritage, Unesco wanted to examine the ongoing work to collect information and report to the World Heritage Centre. The source said the restoration work was not in compliance with Unesco’s approved guidelines. “This is the second time Unesco has expressed concern with the government of Punjab over its so-called conservation methods that do not align with international conservation standards,” the official said.

Official says conservation work violates international standards

Last month, Unesco cautioned the Pakistan government over the Punjab Archaeology Department’s major reconstruction at Taxila’s Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. During its visit, the UN agency found ancient stone walls were covered with fresh masonry and structures were artificially heightened, creating an obvious mismatch with the original fabric.

Unesco subsequently asked Pakistan to reverse the changes and submit full documentation, such as before and after pictures, warning that Taxila could land on the danger list or lose its heritage status altogether. This had also put the country’s bid for 24 more heritage sites at risk.

Explaining that changing the design of ancient remains was a serious violation of international laws, the official in the ministry told Dawn that the Punjab government had not responded to specific queries raised by Unesco.

“Restoration, such as a retaining wall, is only permissible to some extent to prevent an ancient remain from collapsing. Altering the design of a historical property that has universally significant value can compromise its authenticity,” he said.

“In some places, original walls have been replaced with new ones erected at Mora Moradu and Sirkap. Restoration and using cement to erect walls of World Heritage sites is a serious violation of Unesco rules for conservation of archaeological monuments of historical value. This weakens Pakistan’s position, which is endeavouring to have 24 more sites of historical importance included in Unesco’s World Heritage list since 1997,” the official said. The request from DOAM to enlist Rani Ghat and Bhambhor has been accepted by the UN agency, according to the source.

Despite repeated requests for comments on conservation efforts at Rohtas Fort, the office of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani did not respond.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2026