Symposium held to celebrate Pakistan’s Rural Heritage

Islamabad, April 18, 2019

In collaboration with Quaid-i-Azam University’s Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations and the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Pakistan, the Silk Road Centre organized a symposium on the rural heritage of Pakistan. Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Andleeb Abbas presided over the symposium. Others representing the academia, tourism, culture and development sector along with students of the Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations, attended the event.

“Today, as we celebrate World Heritage Day to reflect upon the value of Pakistan’s rural heritage, we understand that our country is vulnerable to climatic change. Urbanization, deforestation, melting glaciers and water scarcity all have a disastrous impact on our climate. The present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan places high priority to reverse the trend by making Pakistan green once again. Prime Minister’s vision of vertical construction in cities will help save and increase green spaces,” stressed Andleeb Abbas, addressing the audience at the symposium.

Speaking on the occasion, Andleeb Abbas, Parliamentary Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Aftab Rana, President, Sustainable Tourism Foundation, lauded the efforts of the Silk Road Centre for raising awareness on rural heritage.

The symposium held in connection with World Heritage Day brought forth the value of Pakistan’s rural heritage. Speakers at the symposium highlighted the tangible and intangible heritage including landscapes, rich food, traditions and customs. Speakers picked an attribute of the rural heritage of Pakistan and described its value for the community and country. They also highlighted the challenges that encompass the conservation of rural heritage and the benefits of conservation for the country.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Director Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations Dr. Ghani-ur-Rahman, President Silk Road Centre Dr. Fasiha Ijlal, senior journalist and writer Naveed Aman Khan and faculty and students of Taxila Institute of Asian Civilizations including Dr. Muizuddin Hakal, Dr. Kiran Shahid Siddiqui, Anum Hafsa, Sanaullah, Tehmina Shaheen, Saqib Raza, Sana Zafar, Aijaz Ali and Qasim Khan.