The British Council convened the Pakistan Heritage Exchange in Lahore to mark ten years of the Cultural Protection Fund. The two-day capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programme was held at Alhamra Arts Council on 10–11 February 2026.
The Exchange brought together heritage practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and community custodians from Pakistan, the UK, and across South Asia. The initiative reaffirmed the British Council’s long-standing commitment to cultural exchange, heritage protection, and strengthening UK–Pakistan ties through institutional collaboration.
Speaking at the event, James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council Pakistan, emphasized the Fund’s people-centered approach. He noted that the Cultural Protection Fund invests in professionals working at the forefront of safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural legacy and building long-term sector capacity.
As programming partner, ICOMOS Pakistan played a key role in shaping the dialogue. Usman Sami, President of ICOMOS Pakistan, highlighted the importance of shared learning and locally grounded heritage practice. He underlined how cultural partnerships can strengthen heritage protection in rapidly evolving social and environmental contexts.
Over two days, participants explored Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape, spanning ancient archaeological sites to living traditions passed down through generations. Discussions focused on pressing challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, and limited financial and technical resources within the heritage sector.
The programme featured keynote addresses, expert panels, and practical workshops aimed at strengthening professional networks and improving sector resilience. Conversations centered on community-led preservation strategies, policy innovation, and sustainable conservation models that can adapt to future risks.
Day one concluded with a performance by Ustad Noor Bakhsh, celebrating the living traditions that form the foundation of cultural heritage. The performance underscored the importance of safeguarding not only monuments and sites but also intangible cultural expressions.
Now in its tenth year, the Cultural Protection Fund supports heritage at risk from conflict and climate-related threats. Since 2022, funded initiatives in Pakistan have included maritime heritage preservation in the Indus Delta, conservation of cultural practices in Hazara, restoration of Buddhist rock carvings in Swat, rehabilitation of Silk Route architecture, support for the Mohana community at Manchar Lake, and the revitalisation of Khaliqdina Hall and Library in Karachi.
Established in 2016 by the British Council and funded by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Fund has supported 149 projects across 16 countries. Its investment spans conservation, documentation, skills development, and community resilience.
The Pakistan Heritage Exchange signals a continued commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and sustainable heritage protection between Pakistan and international partners.
