An 8-day photographic exhibition on Unesco World Heritage sites of Germany has been displayed at National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage, Lok Virsa. Jointly organised by Lok Virsa and the Embassy of Federal Republic of Germany, the exhibition will continue till May 22 here at Heritage Museum.
The Unesco is involved in the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of cultural diversity around the world. In 1972, Unesco adopted the "Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage" in Paris. It thereby took on the task of protecting the cultural and natural assets of humanity that are deemed to possess "exceptional universal value"
To date, more than 180 countries have ratified the Convention. It is the most important international instrument that the international community has ever adopted to protect its natural and cultural heritage. Over 800 sites from more than 130 countries have since been inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List while 32 of these sites are located in Germany.
In his opening remarks, Khalid Javaid, Executive Director, Lok Virsa said that Pakistan is a melting pot of cultures and civilisations and has a rich cultural heritage. He said that each traveller, conqueror and sage has left an imprint, adding a step to the cultural evolution of this region. Unesco has also declared a number of important monuments in Pakistan as world heritage sites. They include Rohtas Fort, Archaeological Ruins at Moenjodaro, Buddhist Ruins at Takht Bahi, Taxila, Lahore Fort and Shalamar Gardens and the Historical Monuments of Thatta, he further explained.
While thanking the German Embassy for selecting venue of the Heritage Museum for this exhibition, Khalid Javaid underlined that Lok Virsa is a specialised body meant for documentation and preservation of Pakistan's cultural heritage. It not only preserves the culture of Pakistan for posterity but also creates opportunities for the people of Pakistan to have access to the cultures of other countries that share commonalities and cordial relations with Pakistan.
He said that the exhibition depicting German world heritage sites is a step forward in this direction. He hoped that the exhibition will be most beneficial for the students, researchers, writers, intellectuals and all those who want to get them acquainted about the culture and heritage of Germany. It will certainly go a long way in bringing people of both the countries closer to each other.