Pakistan to become first South Asian signatory to UCH treaty

August 08, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is set to become the first South Asian country to ratify the 2001 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of Underwater Cultural Heritage (UCH) marking a significant step toward safeguarding its submerged maritime legacy.

The declaration was made by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during a meeting with UNESCO representative Dr. Cristina Menegazzi in Islamabad.

The meeting focused on collaborative efforts to document, preserve, and promote Pakistan’s underwater archaeological resources.

“We are committed to preserving our maritime cultural heritage and will soon ratify the 2001 Convention,” said Minister Chaudhry. “This will position Pakistan as a regional leader in protecting underwater cultural heritage and strengthen our voice on international platforms concerning climate change and cultural preservation.”

Maritime archaeology a specialized field that studies the human relationship with bodies of water through historical artifacts is gaining attention in coastal nations with rich nautical histories.

In Pakistan’s case, this heritage includes shipwrecks, submerged landscapes, ancient maritime infrastructure such as piers and lighthouses, and historic trade routes along the Arabian Sea.

Minister Chaudhry stressed the importance of environmentally responsible exploration. “Any scientific activity in maritime archaeology must be conducted in a way that respects and protects marine ecosystems.”

He said. “The use of non-invasive technologies like remote sensing, diver-based observation, and photogrammetry will be prioritized, while excavations will only be carried out under strict scientific guidelines.”

As part of broader heritage preservation efforts Chaudhry also requested UNESCO’s assistance in registering historic maritime buildings in Karachi.

These include structures over 70 years old under the Maritime Affairs Ministry such as the Marine Fisheries Department and the iconic Marine Lighthouse.

He also proposed the establishment of a maritime historical museum to showcase Pakistan’s coastal legacy.

“UNESCO possesses valuable digital archives and marine archaeological data from across the globe,” the minister noted. “We wish to collaborate in scientific research and mapping of Pakistan’s underwater cultural heritage, which has been largely unexplored.”

Chaudhry emphasized that Pakistan’s engagement in maritime archaeology would not only highlight its cultural richness but also contribute to global climate change research.

Submerged archaeological sites he added are vital indicators of historical sea levels and climate trends providing insights into environmental changes affecting coastal communities today.

Dr. Menegazzi welcomed Pakistan’s initiative to join global efforts in protecting underwater heritage and expressed UNESCO’s readiness to support scientific and technical cooperation in the field.

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