Pakistan is about to become the first country in South Asia to approve the 2001 UNESCO Convention on Underwater Cultural Heritage, which is a big move in protecting its underwater history. The announcement came from Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during his meeting with UNESCO representative Dr. Cristina Menegazzi in Islamabad. They discussed ways to document, preserve, and promote Pakistan’s underwater archaeological treasures.
Underwater cultural heritage has gained attention as it provides valuable insights into ancient civilizations, maritime practices, and how people interacted with land and sea. For Pakistan, this includes historic shipwrecks, submerged landscapes, old maritime structures like piers and lighthouses, and ancient trade routes along the Arabian Sea.
Minister Chaudhry expressed the government’s commitment to protecting underwater history and emphasized environmentally friendly methods for maritime archaeology. He stressed the importance of using non-invasive technologies like remote sensing, photogrammetry, and diver-based observation, with strict scientific guidelines for any excavation work.
To enhance these efforts, Chaudhry sought UNESCO’s help in registering historic maritime buildings in Karachi, including structures like the Marine Fisheries Department and the iconic Marine Lighthouse, which are over 70 years old. He also proposed creating a maritime historical museum to preserve and display Pakistan’s coastal heritage.
The collaboration doesn’t end there; Pakistan aims to work with UNESCO to conduct more research and mapping of its largely unexplored underwater heritage. Chaudhry highlighted that these archaeological sites could help understand past climate patterns and sea levels, which is crucial in addressing climate change.
Dr. Menegazzi welcomed Pakistan’s steps to protect underwater heritage and assured UNESCO’s support in providing technical and scientific expertise. This collaboration is set to preserve history and contribute globally to environmental and cultural conservation.
