Rohtas Fort 'restoration works' draw Unesco scrutiny

Unesco has voiced objections to recent interventions at Pakistan's Rohtas Fort, a designated World Heritage property. The United Nations' cultural organization expressed concerns that the ongoing "restoration works" could adversely affect the fort's outstanding universal value.

The concerns were raised after a Unesco team visited the historic site on Tuesday. This inspection followed information received from a third party alleging that the restoration efforts at Rohtas Fort were not in compliance with international standards. Unesco's Pakistan office had formally requested assistance from the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division for this visit.

Sources within the Ministry of National Heritage indicated that Unesco sought to gather information for a report to the World Heritage Centre. The team aimed to examine the ongoing project, which is being carried out by the Punjab Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums. This marks the second instance where Unesco has flagged issues with heritage site renovations in Pakistan, following previous concerns raised about Taxila heritage sites.