Amritsar expert to assist heritage conservation in Pakistan

Renowned conservation architect and former professor at Guru Nanak Dev University, Balwinder Singh, has been invited by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, to contribute to the conservation of historic sites, including the samadh (memorial) of Akali Phoola Singh located in Nowshera, Peshawar district.

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Balwinder Singh has also been inducted as a member of the International Scientific Advisory Committee (ISAC) of the Digital Heritage Centre (DHC) under the KP province. The DHC aims to digitally reconstruct and preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the ancient Gandhara region.

The invitation, extended by Abdul Samad, Director of the Directorate, underscores Balwinder Singh’s expertise in heritage conservation.

As an ISAC member, Singh will participate in quarterly committee meetings that focus on strategic planning, addressing conservation concerns and guiding research and development efforts in digital heritage preservation.

Speaking on the initiative, Balwinder Singh stated, “We are going to restore and preserve the samadh of Akali Phoola Singh. Kirpal Singh Dhaliwal from the US is playing a key role in the effort. The conservation of Jamrud Fort is already underway. I have requested Abdul Samad to prepare a conceptual plan for the entire site, which we will review during our visit in June, followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and phased conservation planning.”

Balwinder Singh’s involvement in the conservation effort coincides with the World Heritage Day celebrations by the global heritage community under the theme “Disaster and Conflict Resilient Heritage: Preparedness and Learning from 60 Years of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) actions.”

Reflecting on Punjab’s heritage, Singh expressed concern over the region’s underutilised conservation potential. “The concept of heritage conservation has not yet gained sufficient prominence in Punjab. Despite its rich historical and spiritual legacy, the documentation of heritage by using modern scientific techniques remains limited. The state has several historically significant towns and cities developed by Sikh Gurus,” he added.

Singh’s cross-border collaboration marks a significant step in promoting shared heritage and building resilience through regional cooperation.