Pakistan's 'Faulty Fixes' Threaten Iconic Taxila World Heritage Sites

• Two significant archaeological sites in Pakistan’s Taxila complex, Mohra Moradu and Sirkap, are at risk of being placed on UNESCO’s ‘List of World Heritage in Danger’.
• A complaint alleges recent restoration work damaged authenticity, citing demolition of original walls, use of modern materials like cement, and new construction.
• Experts fear these changes distort the original historical character of the ruins, which represent the ancient Gandhara civilization dating back over 2,000 years.
• Poor restoration choices, unchecked development, weak enforcement, and management gaps are putting parts of the Taxila World Heritage Site at risk.
• If issues persist, UNESCO could delist Taxila, causing it to lose its prestigious World Heritage tag and global recognition.