Islamabad, April 2 (NationPress) Recent efforts to restore the World Heritage sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap in Taxila have sparked significant alarm about the management of Pakistan's archaeological heritage. These historically rich sites, which have endured for centuries, now face the risk of being classified as endangered by UNESCO—not because of natural wear, but due to misguided human actions, as highlighted in a recent report.

The reported use of cement in restoration efforts, violating established conservation standards, reveals a deeper issue: a concerning deficiency in expertise, oversight, and dedication within the relevant institutions. Equally troubling is the apparent lack of response from the Punjab Archaeology Department. A critical communication from the Department of Archaeology and Museums in Islamabad reportedly went unanswered for weeks. Such inaction reflects not merely bureaucratic delay but indicates a perilous indifference towards national heritage,” stated an editorial in Pakistan’s prominent newspaper Dawn earlier this week.

In this scenario, silence speaks volumes about the department's stance on the matter. This attitude exemplifies a wider trend of neglect. Conservation transcends merely preserving physical structures; it necessitates transparency, cooperation, and respect for expert opinions. However, genuine engagement with conservation specialists and historians is sorely lacking, jeopardizing irreplaceable sites across Pakistan. Without investment in specialized training and adherence to international best practices, these efforts could lead to irreversible damage.

Last December, a prominent minority rights organization accused Pakistan of intentional neglect, systemic apathy, and a long-standing refusal to protect the religious heritage of the Hindu and Sikh communities, which the authorities claim to safeguard.

According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), 98% of Hindu and Sikh places of worship in Pakistan are either abandoned, locked, illegally occupied, or left to deteriorate—a situation the rights group views not as mere administrative oversight but as a reflection of Pakistan’s power dynamics.

Quoting recent findings presented to Pakistan’s Parliamentary Committee on Minority Caucus, the group reported that out of 1,285 Hindu worship sites and 532 gurdwaras documented, only 37 remain operational.

“The pain of this neglect is compounded by a pattern of systemic discrimination. While temples fall into decay, educational curricula continue to propagate hateful or discriminatory content. Minority students face fewer opportunities and do not receive equivalent scholarship or quota benefits compared to their Muslim counterparts. Representation in government jobs remains woefully low, and even senior officials often bypass meetings intended to address minority issues. This sends a clear message: minorities are regarded as an afterthought, and their concerns are seen as optional,” asserted the VOPM.

The organization pointed out the tragic irony of Pakistan proudly presenting sites like Kartarpur to the international community while numerous other temples and gurdwaras across the country lie in disrepair.

“A single well-preserved shrine cannot erase the silence of the hundreds that have succumbed to neglect. Sacred spaces, once vibrant with prayer from generations, now stand in ruins, overrun by weeds or unlawfully occupied by private interests. This is a loss not only for minorities but also for Pakistan’s identity, cultural continuity, and moral integrity,” emphasized the VOPM.