Pakistan's Ancient Hindu, Buddhist Sites Face Vandalism, Neglect; 5,000-Year Heritage at Risk

• Ancient Hindu and Buddhist heritage sites across Pakistan face severe threats from vandalism, neglect, and illegal occupation, raising concerns about minority heritage protection.
• Historically significant regions like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chilas, Hunza, Shatial, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan house endangered temples, petroglyphs, and inscriptions.
• Extremist groups deliberately deface Hindu and Buddhist imagery, while local authorities have also damaged ancient carvings, causing irreversible harm.
• Chilas is a major concern due to the presence of hardline Islamist groups and alleged illegal occupation of sites, with little official intervention.
• Activists accuse Pakistan of failing international obligations (UNESCO) to protect cultural heritage, warning of permanent loss of South Asia's shared history.

Why It Matters: Pakistan's inaction threatens 5,000-year-old Hindu, Buddhist heritage with permanent loss.