Unesco has flagged restoration work at Rohtas Fort for potentially compromising the site's outstanding universal value, marking the second time in two months the UN agency has challenged conservation methods by Punjab's archaeological authorities. Main Developments Unesco's Pakistan office requested the Ministry of National Heritage and Cultural Division to facilitate a visit to Rohtas Fort on Tuesday. The inspection followed a third-party report alleging that ongoing restoration works violated international standards. According to ministry sources, Unesco aimed to collect information and report its findings to the World Heritage Centre. The restoration work, carried out by the Punjab Directorate General of Archaeology and Museums, was reportedly not in compliance with Unesco's approved guidelines. Read also: Why PTI's Nov 26 Protest Case Collapsed in Court An official from the ministry told Dawn that changing the design of ancient remains constitutes a serious violation of international laws. The Punjab government has not yet responded to specific queries raised by Unesco. Background Last month, Unesco cautioned Pakistan over the Punjab Archaeology Department's major reconstruction at Taxila's Mohra Moradu and Sirkap sites. During that visit, the UN agency found ancient stone walls covered with fresh masonry and structures artificially heightened, creating an obvious mismatch with the original fabric. Unesco subsequently asked Pakistan to reverse the changes and submit full documentation, including before-and-after photographs. It warned that Taxila could be placed on the danger list or lose its heritage status entirely. “This is the second time Unesco has expressed concern with the government of Punjab over its so-called conservation methods that do not align with international conservation standards,” the official said. The official added that restoration, such as a retaining wall, is only permissible to prevent an ancient remain from collapsing, but altering the design of a historically significant property can compromise its authenticity. Why It Matters The repeated warnings put Pakistan's broader heritage ambitions at risk. The country has been trying since 1997 to have 24 additional sites of historical importance inscribed on Unesco's World Heritage list. The request from the Department of Archaeology and Museums to enlist Rani Ghat and Bhambhor has already been accepted by the UN agency. However, continued violations of conservation standards weaken Pakistan's negotiating position and could jeopardise its entire nomination pipeline. Using cement to erect walls at World Heritage sites is a serious violation of Unesco rules for the conservation of archaeological monuments of historical value, the official emphasised. Each such incident undermines the credibility of Pakistan's heritage management. What's Next Unesco is expected to submit its report on the Rohtas Fort inspection to the World Heritage Centre, which may issue formal recommendations or demands for corrective action. The Punjab government has yet to address Unesco's specific queries about the restoration work. Despite repeated requests for comment, the office of Ministry of National Heritage and Culture Division Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani did not respond. The outcome of this case could influence Unesco's ongoing assessment of Pakistan's heritage conservation practices and its pending nominations for new World Heritage sites.