UNESCO Adds 12 Pakistani Heritage Sites to Tentative World Heritage List

UNESCO has added 12 historic and cultural sites from Pakistan to its Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, bringing the country’s total number of sites on the list to 37.

Inclusion on UNESCO’s Tentative List is considered an important first step toward securing full World Heritage status. The newly added Pakistani sites represent a diverse range of the country’s cultural heritage, including Gandhara and Buddhist heritage, Mughal-era architecture, desert forts and indigenous traditions.

Among the newly listed sites is the Kalash Valley in Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with four other sites from the province.

In Sindh, the historic forts of Kot Diji, Naukot and Umerkot have also been included in the UNESCO Tentative List.

Punjab’s Pherozpurla Fort, Rohtas Fort and the Mausoleum of Sultan Muqarrab Khan have likewise been added to the list.

The inclusion of these sites is expected to strengthen efforts to preserve Pakistan’s cultural heritage while promoting tourism and supporting local economies. It could also enhance Pakistan’s international cultural profile and contribute to greater cultural diplomacy.