The Sindh government has resolved to introduce more stringent heritage protection legislation and launch a comprehensive provincial survey to reassess the condition of its historical properties, responding to concerns over illegal alterations, encroachments, and damage.
The decision emerged from a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Cultural Heritage of Sindh, which was presided over by Chief Secretary Sindh, Asif Hyder Shah, according to official information on Monday. The high-level assembly was attended by secretaries from the Culture and Works and Services Departments, directors general of the Sindh Building Control Authority and the Antiquities Department, and esteemed committee members including Hameed Haroon, Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari, and Sohail Ahmed Kalhoro.
During the proceedings, Mr Shah noted that the last province-wide assessment was conducted in 2017, resulting in 3,371 properties being officially declared as heritage sites. He emphasised the essential need to re-evaluate their current physical state, identify additional locations, and fortify their legal and institutional safeguards.
The Chief Secretary stated that historic buildings represent the cultural identity and legacy of the province, asserting that their preservation requires updated data, strong technical capacity, and the effective enforcement of laws.
To improve operational efficiency, Shah directed that the secretariat support for the Heritage Department”s Technical Committee be significantly strengthened to enable better decision-making and oversight.
It was further agreed that competent and qualified human resources would be recruited from the market to enhance the committee’s professional expertise in conservation, restoration, and regulatory functions.
The meeting also concluded with a commitment to make heritage protection laws more rigorous to prevent unauthorised modifications and damage to protected properties across the province.