Pakistan: Sindh sets up Rs1 billion fund for protection of heritage buildings, archaeological sites
Policy to allow private sector organisations to contribute to the fund to be devised
Karachi: The Sindh government has established Rs1 billion endowment fund to protect and maintain archaeological sites and heritage buildings in Pakistan’s province.
Sindh Culture Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah chaired the first meeting of the board established to oversee the affairs of the fund.
Shah told the board members that the fund would go a long way to serve as a permanent system of financing for the repair, renovation and uplift of the historical sites and buildings granted heritage status.
He said the private sector would also be encouraged to be part of the endowment fund.
1,600 historical sites
There are almost 1,600 historical sites in Sindh duly protected under Sindh Cultural Heritage (Protection) Act-1994. Of them two, Makli Necropolis in Thatta and archeological ruins of Mohenjo-Daro, are Unesco World Heritage Sites. Four sites in Sindh are on Unesco’s tentative list that are Ranikot Fort in Jamshoro, Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta, Chaukandi Tombs in Karachi and Port of Banbhore.
The minister asked the officials concerned to devise a policy to allow the private sector organisations to contribute to the fund in pursuance of their corporate social responsibility programmes.
He said international agencies would be invited to partner with the provincial government’s drive.
The fund would also be utilised for doing research and practical work to duly protect and promote different aspects of the rich Sindhi culture.
He said that another effective use of the fund would be the provision of financial assistance to researchers and craftsmen who had been working for the promotion and advancement of Sindh’s cultural heritage. Training initiatives will also be launched as part of the fund. The board will also select an accredited scientific laboratory for verification and research on antiquities.
Shah said regular development funds reserved in the annual provincial budget were often proved to be insufficient for effectively fulfilling the cause of heritage protection.
He added that in the past, damage to the archeological sites increased due to a lack of funds.
He said the concerned members of civil society who took interest in heritage protection would also be inducted as members of the board.
