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PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has gained further international recognition for its cultural and historical heritage after four important sites from the province were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Centre’s Tentative List. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Information and Public Relations Minister Shafi Jan described the development as a significant achievement for the provincial government, saying the recognition would help draw international attention to the province’s diverse archaeological, architectural and cultural legacy. The sites added to the tentative list include Bhamaala in Haripur, Sethi House and Gor Gathri in Peshawar, and Barikot in Swat. According to the minister, the inclusion of these locations on the UNESCO list would provide greater international visibility to K-P’s historic sites and highlight their importance as part of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Recognition of K-P’s historical legacy Shafi Jan said Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa possessed a heritage that reflected centuries of civilisation, cultural interaction and historical development. He noted that the newly listed sites represented different aspects of the province’s past, ranging from archaeological remains to historic buildings and urban heritage. The minister said the addition of the four sites was not only a source of pride for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa but could also contribute to efforts aimed at preserving the province’s heritage for future generations. He said the provincial government was committed to protecting historical locations from deterioration and ensuring that their cultural significance was properly documented and promoted. Focus on preservation and promotion Shafi Jan said the government was working to strengthen measures for the preservation, restoration and promotion of historical and archaeological sites across the province. He emphasised that cultural heritage should be viewed as a valuable national and provincial asset rather than simply as remnants of the past. “Our rich cultural heritage is our pride and a trust for future generations,” he said, stressing the need for sustained efforts to protect historic sites. The minister added that the provincial government wanted to improve the visibility of K-P’s heritage at both national and international levels. Potential for cultural tourism The inclusion of the sites on UNESCO’s Tentative List could also provide an opportunity to promote cultural tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The province is home to numerous archaeological and historical locations associated with different periods and civilisations. Greater international recognition could help attract researchers, historians, archaeologists and tourists interested in the region’s history. Officials believe that improved preservation and promotion of these sites could also support local economies by creating opportunities for tourism-related businesses and services. However, greater recognition also places additional responsibility on authorities to ensure that the sites are properly protected, maintained and presented to visitors. Government commitment The minister said the provincial administration, under the vision of founding chairman Imran Khan and the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, would continue efforts to preserve and promote Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s cultural assets. He maintained that protecting historical sites required long-term planning, proper conservation measures and cooperation between government institutions, heritage experts and local communities. The latest additions to the UNESCO Tentative List have therefore been welcomed by the provincial government as an important step towards placing K-P’s historical heritage on the international cultural map.