The British Council strategically convened the Pakistan Heritage Exchange in Lahore, a critical two-day program marking a decade of the Cultural Protection Fund (CPF). This initiative brought together heritage practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders from across Pakistan, the UK, and South Asia. Consequently, the Exchange underscored a calibrated commitment to cultural preservation and strengthened UK-Pakistan collaboration for national advancement.
Catalytic Collaboration: Fortifying Pakistan’s Heritage
On February 10-11, 2026, the British Council orchestrated the Pakistan Heritage Exchange at Alhamra, Lahore. This significant event highlighted the Cultural Protection Fund’s ten-year impact, fostering vital capacity-building and knowledge-sharing opportunities. Furthermore, James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, affirmed their unwavering dedication, stating the Fund’s investment in safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural assets and developing expert heritage professionals.
Usman Sami, President of ICOMOS Pakistan, emphasized the program’s value in promoting shared learning and locally-grounded practices. He highlighted how strategic cultural partnerships can robustly strengthen heritage protection amidst evolving global contexts. ICOMOS Pakistan, as a programming partner, significantly contributed to this focused dialogue on knowledge exchange, policy formulation, and future collaborative frameworks.
Participants meticulously explored Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape, encompassing ancient sites and living traditions. Discussions rigorously addressed growing challenges, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and constrained sector resources. Crucially, the Exchange emphasized the structural importance of partnership and community-led strategies in effectively safeguarding national heritage assets.
The Translation: Deconstructing Heritage Protection Dynamics
The Cultural Protection Fund, established in 2016 and funded by the UK Government, functions as a critical financial and strategic instrument. Its core logic involves investing in projects that protect cultural heritage susceptible to conflict and climate change. This translates into tangible support for initiatives such as preserving maritime heritage in the Indus Delta, restoring Buddhist rock carvings in Swat, and revitalizing Karachi’s Khaliqdina Hall. Thus, the Fund provides a systematic framework for proactive cultural asset management.
Strategic Impact: A Decade of Calibrated Interventions
Since 2022, the CPF has supported numerous projects across Pakistan. These interventions range from safeguarding Hazara cultural practices to rehabilitating Silk Route architecture and assisting the Mohana community at Manchar Lake. Such focused efforts demonstrate the Fund’s commitment to diversified, impactful cultural protection. The program featured keynote addresses, panel discussions, and practical workshops, all designed to strengthen professional networks and build sector resilience.
Socio-Economic Impact: Fortifying Pakistan’s Cultural Fabric
For the average Pakistani citizen, these heritage protection initiatives represent more than just preserving old structures; they are catalysts for socio-economic uplift. When cultural sites are restored and maintained, they attract tourism, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for local communities, from guides to artisans. Moreover, it instills a profound sense of national pride and identity, particularly for students who gain access to their rich historical legacy. Professionals in related fields, such as archaeology and conservation, benefit from enhanced skills and knowledge, contributing to a robust national human capital. Therefore, these programs directly impact household incomes and foster community cohesion across urban and rural Pakistan.
Strategic Trajectory: The Forward Path
This concentrated effort via the Pakistan Heritage Exchange signifies a clear Momentum Shift for Pakistan’s cultural landscape. The proactive engagement of international partners and local stakeholders in structured capacity-building initiatives moves beyond mere maintenance. It establishes a robust, forward-thinking framework for sustained heritage management. This strategic pivot positions Pakistan to better safeguard its invaluable cultural assets against contemporary threats, ensuring their legacy for future generations through calibrated interventions and community empowerment.
