Experts urge stronger community role in preserving heritage sites

LAHORE: A panel discussion on heritage conservation was held at the historic Shalimar Gardens on Monday, where participants from academia, government and the development sector stressed the need for sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites.

The discussion, titled Preserving the Past for a Sustainable Future, was organised by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). According to the organisers, the session focused on improving heritage conservation through greater public awareness, integration of policy measures and stronger community participation.

Director General WCLA Najamus Saqib said social media was playing an increasingly important part in projecting Pakistan’s heritage to an international audience. He said community involvement remained a key element of conservation efforts, adding that global experience showed that both funding and long-term sustainability were often connected to support from local communities.

Professor Emeritus Neelum Naz said heritage education should be introduced at the primary school level so awareness could be developed from an early age. She also proposed the use of creative tools, including stamps and matchboxes, to draw attention to historical sites and cultural identity.

THAAP CEO Sajida Vandal said heritage needed to be made more accessible to the public so that social attitudes could change and appreciation for cultural assets could grow.

Architect Umer Farooq of Beaconhouse National University highlighted the importance of adopting new ways to engage younger people. He said the younger generation now faced many competing entertainment and digital options, making it necessary to develop innovative strategies to capture their interest in heritage.

Member of the National Assembly Shaista Pervaiz Malik connected traditional crafts with tourism and economic activity. She said policy backing was needed to help ensure sustainable livelihoods for artisans.

Focus on awareness and policy

The discussion brought together speakers from different fields to underline that preservation of heritage sites required more than physical restoration alone. Participants pointed to the importance of public outreach, educational initiatives and policy support in strengthening conservation efforts.

The event at Shalimar Gardens also highlighted the role of local communities in maintaining and sustaining heritage spaces. Speakers said broader public engagement could help build long-term support for conservation while also improving recognition of Pakistan’s historical and cultural assets.

The session reflected a shared view among participants that heritage conservation should be linked with education, accessibility, tourism and community ownership in order to remain effective over time.