Taxila, Harappa, Bhera declared ‘heritage cities’

The Punjab government has announced an ambitious plan to preserve and promote the province’s rich historical legacy by declaring three cities — Taxila, Harappa, and Bhera — as official Heritage Cities.

The initiative aims not only to highlight these locations on the international stage but also to stimulate local tourism, cultural preservation, and economic growth.

An initial budget of Rs60 billion has been earmarked for the development and restoration of 60 key archaeological and historical sites across the province.

According to Raja Jahangir Anwar, Secretary for Tourism and Archaeology, Taxila has been given special prominence and will be designated as an “International Heritage City.”

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif hailed Taxila as the “City of Civilisations,” acknowledging its profound historical significance, particularly its connections with the Gandhara civilisation and sacred Buddhist heritage.

To oversee development in Taxila, a dedicated Taxila Heritage Authority has been established, complete with an independent master plan, budget, and administrative control.

The first phase of the project includes the rehabilitation of roads, enhancement of tourism infrastructure, and renovation of museums and craft centres.

The second phase will focus on the creation of an open-air museum, a Gandhara Art Village, and the conservation of other historically significant buildings to boost tourism appeal.

Harappa, another ancient centre of early human civilisation, has also been included in the list of 60 priority sites, although no separate authority or master plan has been announced yet.

The government plans to upgrade its archaeological sites, museum facilities, and excavation areas to meet international standards, with the goal of attracting greater numbers of foreign tourists.

Regarding Bhera, the secretary said that while it is a sizable city with a population exceeding 350,000, the focus will be on restoring the old city, which is famed for its nine historical gates, ancient bazaars, Sufi shrines, wooden architecture, and narrow heritage-style streets.

Although Bhera does not yet have an independent authority or comprehensive master plan, development work has already begun under the heritage city project. A PC-1 is currently under preparation to transform it into a full-fledged heritage zone in the near future.