A national consultation workshop on the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage took place in Islamabad, bringing together experts, government representatives and heritage professionals to chart a path for safeguarding Pakistan’s submerged legacy. The event, organized by the Department of Archaeology and Museums and UNESCO Pakistan, focused on practical steps to translate international commitments into local action for Underwater Heritage.
Speakers and participants emphasized the need for strengthened policy coordination across ministries, focused research into underwater sites and targeted awareness initiatives to engage coastal communities and stakeholders. The workshop framed Underwater Heritage as an integral part of Pakistan’s cultural patrimony that requires both legal frameworks and scientific study to ensure long-term protection.
Dr. Aneela Khan and Ltd Cd Tariq Mehmood from NIMA actively participated in the discussions, contributing expertise on maritime practices and institutional collaboration. Their involvement underlined the importance of cross‑sector dialogue between archaeological specialists, maritime authorities and government bodies to implement the Convention’s provisions effectively.
Attendees called for coordinated research programs, capacity building and public outreach to raise awareness of submerged sites and their conservation needs. The consensus emerging from the workshop pointed to a stepped approach: align national policy with the 2001 Convention, expand research efforts, and promote community engagement to protect Underwater Heritage across Pakistan’s coasts.
Moving forward, organizers and participants highlighted continued cooperation between DOAM, UNESCO Pakistan and maritime stakeholders as essential to translate workshop recommendations into measurable progress for preserving the country’s underwater cultural resources.
