BEIJING: China and Pakistan have established extensive exchange relations with various Pakistani governmental bodies, the archaeological bureau, museums, and heritage sites, said Chen Zhigang, Associate Professor at the Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and Director of the Guardians of Gandhara program.
Reflecting on future cooperation plans for safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural sites and relics, Zhigang emphasized the need for both countries to intensify efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, conducting basic maintenance, and undertaking archaeological excavations at sites.
Moreover, he stressed the importance of digitizing cultural heritage, engaging in joint scientific research projects, and promoting heritage education and cultural exchanges.
Pakistan boasts a wealth of cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites spread across the country. The Guardians of Gandhara program, led by Chinese and Pakistani scholars and volunteers, exemplifies the commitment of both nations to preserving sites like Takht-i-Bahi.
Maaz Ali, a teacher and conservation assistant at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums in KP, emphasized the educational projects aimed at raising awareness among locals about Pakistan’s heritage sites and reconnecting them with their cultural legacy. Ali highlighted the pivotal role of the younger generation in preserving these sites for the future.
Collaborative efforts between Pakistani and Chinese teams have been instrumental in restoring various archaeological sites, with ongoing efforts to identify additional sites for conservation. The restoration work has led to an increase in tourism, particularly from Chinese and Japanese visitors, injecting vitality into Pakistan’s tourism sector and national development.
On International Museum Day, Pakistan and China announced strengthened cooperation to protect cultural heritage. A memorandum of understanding between the State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China and Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Division aims to jointly implement archaeology, cultural heritage protection and restoration, exhibition exchanges, and combat illegal trafficking of relics.
Abdul Samad, Director of Archaeology and Museums in KP, commended China’s practical commitment to preserving cultural heritage in Asia and emphasized the importance of further cooperation between the two countries.
He stressed the need for Pakistan to enhance collaboration with China in protecting heritage sites, maintaining academic partnerships, and initiating joint preservation initiatives.
Samad lauded China’s exemplary cultural heritage cooperation with various nations, citing its effective measures for fostering harmony among different civilizations as a global model.
