ISLAMABAD: Three cultural and archaeological sites from Pakistan’s southern Sindh province have been placed on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage sites, state media reported on Tuesday.
The sites include Kot Diji Fort, Naukot Fort and Umerkot Fort, which have been identified for their historical and cultural significance.
The listing is a preliminary step in the process of securing full World Heritage status from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which recognizes sites of outstanding cultural or natural value.
“This achievement will play an important role in introducing Sindh's cultural heritage at the global level,” Sindh Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah said, according to Radio Pakistan.
Sindh is home to some of South Asia’s oldest settlements, including remnants of the Indus Valley Civilization, as well as centuries-old architectural traditions and cultural practices.
Kot Diji Fort is an 18th-century structure while Naukot and Umerkot forts are historic desert fortifications associated with regional defensive networks and trade routes in Sindh.
UNESCO’s website shows all three sites on its tentative list, an inventory of properties countries intend to nominate for formal inscription.
Only properties included on this list are eligible for future consideration, a process that typically involves detailed evaluation over several years.
Pakistan already has several sites inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including Mohenjo-daro, Taxila, the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, and additions to the tentative list are a step toward expanding that representation.
