Islamabad. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has issued a stern warning to Pakistan over the reconstruction work done on two ancient monuments at the world heritage site Taxila.
The agency has said that if the construction work is not restored to its original form, Takshashila could be included in the list of World Heritage Sites in Danger and its World Heritage status could also be affected.
UNESCO, in a recent meeting with senior officials of the Pakistan government, made it clear that “unnecessary changes” at historical sites harm their authenticity and historical integrity, Russia’s international state news television network Russia Today (RT) reported, quoting local media.
The agency also cited the example of a World Heritage Site in Germany, which was removed from the list for similar reasons. UNESCO has particularly objected to the reconstruction carried out at the two major archaeological sites of Taxila, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap. The agency says that these works have affected the original appearance of the monuments.
The matter came to light when an unknown person sent information about these construction works through photographs and documents to Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO in Paris.
The complaint alleged that the Punjab Archeology Department had constructed new ones in place of the original ancient walls at many places and also increased the height of some parts.
After receiving the complaint, the UNESCO team visited Taxila and inspected the situation. After inspection, the agency has urged Pakistan to review the reconstruction work and restore it to its original form.
Takshashila has been a major learning and cultural center since ancient times, with a historical legacy going back to the sixth century BCE. UNESCO gave it the status of World Heritage Site in the year 1980.
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