ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a one-day international conference titled “Celebrating Pakistan’s Ancient Archaeological and Civilizational Heritage” on Monday.
The inaugural session featured remarks from the Secretary of the National Heritage & Culture Division, Hassan Nasir Jamy, as the guest of honour, along with welcome remarks by Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director General of ISSI, and an introduction by Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China Pakistan Study Centre at ISSI.
Senator Mushahid Hussain served as the chief guest, emphasizing that history and heritage are vital sources of strength for a nation. He argued that national security should encompass not only geopolitics but also culture and heritage, positioning Pakistan as a key player in tourism due to its rich historical significance.
Senator Hussain highlighted the Silk Road exhibition in London, featuring Buddhist sculptures from Swat, as a testament to Pakistan’s cultural connections. He pointed out that the country is home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites and underscored the potential for more. He mentioned the Kartarpur Corridor as a significant initiative for soft cultural diplomacy and interfaith harmony.
To harness Pakistan’s historical and cultural wealth, Senator Hussain proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes robust marketing to promote tourism, establishing international airports at significant sites, and implementing a visa-on-arrival policy to facilitate travel.
He suggested focusing on Buddhism and Sikhism to attract religious and cultural tourists and emphasized the promotion of adventure tourism to showcase Pakistan’s diverse landscapes. Highlighting Pakistani cuisine was also noted as essential to enhance the overall tourist experience.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood discussed Pakistan’s rich multi-layered archaeological heritage, referencing Dr. Mortimer Wheeler’s book ‘5000 Years of Pakistan’ to underscore the nation’s long history. He stated that the conference aims to retell Pakistan’s heritage story and ensure the protection of its sites and artifacts while raising global awareness.
Ambassador Sohail recommended a four-track approach for the future: a coordinated national effort to preserve and promote heritage, partnerships with international experts and institutions like UNESCO, sustained media campaigns to showcase heritage as part of Pakistan’s soft power, and the development of heritage sites with sustainable tourism practices.
Dr. Talat Shabbir emphasized the importance of iconic archaeological sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila in fostering global peace and understanding. He called for collective responsibility among historians and archaeologists to safeguard Pakistan’s cultural legacy for a more inclusive future.
Hassan Nasir Jamy highlighted the significance of ancient civilizations, particularly the Indus Valley, known for its advanced urban planning and trade networks. He advocated for leveraging Pakistan’s heritage to enhance cultural diplomacy and economic growth, urging government investment in infrastructure and research to promote these sites globally.
The conference underscored the importance of preserving Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage while promoting it as a cornerstone of national identity and a driver of tourism and economic opportunity.
