Heritage walk in Taxila marks World Heritage Day, highlights community role in preservation

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Apr, 2026) To mark World Heritage Day, a heritage walk was organised at Taxila, highlighting the importance of community participation in preserving cultural heritage.

The ceremony was arranged by the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, in collaboration with the Gandhara Taxila Centre for Development and the Gandhara Resource Centre Pakistan, drawing participation from students, youth and local community representatives.

Officials of the Directorate General of Archaeology, including former director Malik Maqsood and deputy director Asim Dogar (SRO Taxila), along with staff of Taxila Museum, attended the ceremony and appreciated stakeholders’ engagement in promoting cultural awareness and preservation.

The heritage walk began from Taxila Museum, passed through the ancient archaeological remains of Sirkap and concluded at the historic St. Thomas Monument. Participants showed keen interest in exploring the sites and learning about their historical significance.

Noted historian Raja Noor Muhammad Nizami briefed participants on the importance of the St.

Thomas Monument and its place in the region’s cultural legacy.

The event witnessed participation from several local organisations, including Taxila Baithak, Shah Zain Ali Trust and Vocational Training Centre, Her Legacy, Glaxit, Gandhara Odyssey, Indus Tour Club Wah Cantt, Salony news and Green Tech, along with members of the digital media community. Students from Sir Syed school Mohra Muradoo also took part in the activities.

Speakers on the occasion appreciated the collaborative efforts of partner organisations and community members, particularly highlighting the encouraging participation of women and their growing role alongside men in safeguarding the country’s cultural heritage.

The organisers said the observance of World Heritage Day at Taxila underscored the importance of collective responsibility and community engagement in preserving the country’s rich archaeological and historical assets for future generations.