Islamabad, 09 December 2025 — UNESCO has inscribed the Boreendo on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding following a nomination led by the Sindh Government and supported by Lok Virsa and the National Heritage and Culture Division. The decision recognises the Boreendo as one of the oldest known clay wind instruments, rooted in the Indus Valley Civilization and believed to be over 5,000 years old.
The Boreendo is a small, round clay instrument whose soft, earthy tones have been part of winter gatherings, communal celebrations and village traditions for generations. Today the living practice depends on the skills of a single master musician, Ustaad Faqeer Zulfiqar, and a master craftsman, Allah Jurio, who together carry the playing and making techniques that keep the Boreendo alive.
UNESCO support underpins a national safeguarding plan that prioritises training young artisans, integrating Boreendo music into formal and informal education, and creating meaningful economic opportunities for the communities of Keti Mir Muhammad Lund. The programme aims to revive craftsmanship, document playing techniques and ensure that new generations can learn and sustain the tradition.
The simple clay design of the Boreendo, often shaped, tuned and decorated by the women of the village, embodies resilience, sustainability and cultural identity. This recognition brings renewed hope for the community and honours the dedication of Pakistan’s cultural custodians who have preserved this fragile heritage.
Lok Virsa, acting as the national focal institution for Intangible Cultural Heritage, will work with local stakeholders to implement the safeguarding measures. The inscription marks a significant cultural milestone for Pakistan and opens practical pathways to revive the Boreendo through education, craft training and local livelihoods.
