Heritage conference for protection, restoration of historical heritage of Hyderabad held

The Heritage Conference for the protection and restoration of the historical heritage of Hyderabad under the supervision of the Directorate General of Archeology and Antiquities, Government of Sindh, under the title "Future Vision: Practical Planning for the Preservation of the Heritage of Hyderabad" was held at the Sindh Museum on Monday

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2026) The Heritage Conference for the protection and restoration of the historical heritage of Hyderabad under the supervision of the Directorate General of Archeology and Antiquities, Government of Sindh, under the title "Future Vision: Practical Planning for the Preservation of the Heritage of Hyderabad" was held at the Sindh Museum on Monday.

Provincial Minister of Culture Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah, Commissioner Hyderabad Fayaz Hussain Abbasi, along with archaeologists, intellectuals, journalists, poets and civil society representatives participated in the conference.

On this occasion, a special documentary film about Moen Jo Daro, a great relic of the ancient civilization of the Sindh Valley, was also screened.

Addressing the conference, Provincial Minister of Culture Syed Zulfikar Shah said that Hyderabad is a historical city and its heritage is very significant to protect.

The heritage conference held in Hyderabad is a welcome one, as it has brought together experts and intellectuals on a single platform.

He said that the Heritage Preservation Committee will be established together with the Commissioner of Hyderabad.

Illegal demolition and alteration of old buildings will not be tolerated. Many historic buildings are damaged internally after being sold. Mukhy House and other places that will be protected, he added.

The increasing population and encroachments around the Hyderabad Fort are a big challenge, which will be phased out and steps will be taken with consultation.

The plan is to make the Sindh Museum state of the art and the heritage places will be digitized and introduced globally.

He further said that Hirabad Street should be built.

Commissioner Hyderabad Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi said that today's conference is actually the beginning of a practical action plan, the purpose of which is to create awareness among the public about the importance of the historical heritage of Asan and how it can be preserved.

He emphasized that every individual has to fulfill his responsibility to protect the heritage.

He said that the students have been given study tours to various historical and cultural places of Hyderabad, which will now be made part of the regular routine.

Commissioner Hyderabad said that a request has been made to provide a special bus from the Department of Culture so that the tourists and students can be taken to visit the heritage and cultural places of the city.

MP Qasim Soomro said that how the Greek people kept Athens safe, they built the People's Friendly Road and trained craftsmen in Jaipur and kept it safe, so we should establish a separate company in Hyderabad, where universities and municipal authorities can join.

He emphasized that every individual has to fulfill his responsibility to protect the heritage.

He said that the students have been given study tours to various historical and cultural places of Hyderabad, which will now be made part of the regular routine.

Commissioner Hyderabad said that a request has been made to provide a special bus from the Department of Culture so that the tourists and students can be taken to visit the heritage and cultural places of the city.

MP Qasim Soomro said that how the Greek people kept Athens safe, they built the People's Friendly Road and trained craftsmen in Jaipur and kept it safe, so we should establish a separate company in Hyderabad, where universities and municipal authorities can join.

SBCA has ruined our city, they passed the maps without thinking that we are losing our beautiful buildings, although I am a government person, but we have to recognize the mistakes in our system. Senior journalist Naz Sahto, a panelist of the conference, said that there is a dire need to keep historical buildings alive.

He pointed out that important places like the mosque associated with Shahrbanu, sister of Ghulam Shah Kalhori, are still not included in the archaeological sites and a large number of people are not aware of their historical status.

Poets, writers and media can play an important role in highlighting this awareness because people themselves damage historical places due to ignorance. Philosopher Inam Sheikh said that in the past Larkana city was an academic and intellectual center, where political and social issues were discussed.

He emphasized that an informed society cannot be created without harmonizing the curriculum with the local history and culture, because the ancient values of Sindh are compatible with the social system of today's Europe. Construction expert Hina Marvi said that historical buildings should be reused and made a part of public life.

He called the integration of old and new structures through modern technology and community involvement essential for the protection of heritage.

Assistant Commissioner Hyderabad City Syed Noor Hussain said that the preservation of heritage can be sustainable only when it is linked to economic activities, as people consider themselves a part of the places and protect them. Renowned archeologist Kaleemullah Lashari said that Hyderabad bears witness to different historical periods and city planning should always be linked to development.

He emphasized on more comprehensive measures for the repair and protection of other historical places including Pakka Fort.

Madad Ali Sindhi said that the history of Hyderabad is at least two hundred and fifty years old and this city has witnessed many ups and downs.

He told that Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro laid the foundation of this city in 1769 AD and built the first fort on the Ajar hill and made Hyderabad the capital.

Ghulam Shah Kalhoro gathered people from different regions of Sindh and settled the city and established Shahi Bazar, which was one of the largest markets in Asia.

According to Madhad Ali Sindhi, Hyderabad was a beautiful and orderly city in the past, but today the historical heritage is being severely neglected.

The illegal occupation of the historical heritage of the city should be ended and immediate steps should be taken for the protection of all the archaeological sites.

At the end of the conference, the determination was expressed that through joint efforts, effective policy making and public awareness, the historical heritage of Hyderabad will be preserved and passed on to the next generation.

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