The ancient Sindhi folk instrument, Bareendo, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List in need of urgent safeguarding.
The decision was adopted at the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Bareendo, a clay wind instrument dating back to the 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilization, is an enduring symbol of Sindh’s spiritual and communal traditions. For centuries, its soft and meditative tones have accompanied winter gatherings, Sufi rituals, and rural celebrations. Today, only one master musician, Ustaad Faqeer Zulfiqar, and one master potter, Allah Jurio, preserve the complete knowledge of this ancient craft.
The nomination of Bareendo followed an extensive consultative process involving the Government of Sindh, Pakistan’s Mission to UNESCO in France, and UNESCO Headquarters.
The process was inspired by community-led efforts in Keti Mir Muhammad Loond village, Sindh, and shaped a comprehensive Four-Year Safeguarding Plan (2026–2029).
The plan includes the establishment of a community music school, integration of Bareendo heritage into education, and use of digital platforms for wider cultural outreach.
Welcoming the decision, Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Permanent Delegate of Pakistan to UNESCO, said the inscription “is a proud moment for Pakistan and a tribute to the communities who have preserved this ancient instrument for generations. Bareendo is not only an emblem of the Indus Valley’s cultural continuity but also a living expression of Sindh’s artistic and spiritual heritage.”
She further said that UNESCO’s recognition “reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to the protection and promotion of its diverse cultural traditions, ensuring that the knowledge, craftsmanship, and musical identity of the Bareendo are transmitted to future generations.”
