Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi has inaugurated several historic heritage sites linked to the Gakhar legacy in Islamabad, aiming to attract both national and international tourists. These sites, located along the Swan river bank, include the Mai Qamro Mosque, the Tomb of Sultan Muqarrab Khan, and the Pharwala Tomb, with origins dating back up to a thousand years.

According to Press Information Department, these sites have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List due to efforts by the Department of Archaeology and Museums. A project costing approximately Rs54 million, part of the Public Sector Development Programme, has been underway since 2022 to preserve these sites. Mr. Khichi emphasized the importance of these sites for tourism and cultural research during the inauguration, noting the installation of security measures and ongoing conservation efforts.

Plans for improving site accessibility include a new road, as current access routes are in poor condition. The Minister highlighted the historical significance of the Gakhars in the Potohar region and expressed hopes for eventual UNESCO World Heritage status. Conservation work has already improved conditions at several sites, with land reclaimed and developed for visitor use. The government remains committed to preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage and promoting tourism in the Potohar region.