Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture convened at Parliament House to discuss the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, approving the Lok Virsa Bill under the leadership of Senator Hidayatullah Khan.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting included Senators Bushra Anjum Butt, Rubina Khalid, Syed Waqar Mehdi, and agenda mover Senator Shahadat Awan, joined by Minister for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and senior ministry officials. The Committee approved The National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage (Lok Virsa) (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following amendments suggested in line with Supreme Court directions.

Further discussions addressed the legal framework for heritage site protection, with Senator Shahadat Awan questioning the Ministry’s coordination with provincial governments post-18th Constitutional Amendment. Ministry officials acknowledged the lack of a formal framework, prompting calls for structured coordination. Concerns were also raised about the limited nominations for World Heritage sites and the need for improved public outreach. The meeting highlighted the Ministry’s low budget allocation, leading to recommendations for a meeting with the Prime Minister to seek enhanced support.