Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi led Pakistan’s delegation at the 34th General Assembly of ICCROM in Rome on 11 December 2025 and reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to international efforts to protect cultural assets. The minister said Pakistan will continue to deepen its ICCROM partnership to safeguard shared heritage in the face of mounting threats from climate change, natural disasters and armed conflict.
Khichi highlighted Pakistan’s active role in ICCROM flagship programmes, including World Heritage Leadership, Disaster Risk Management and initiatives promoting youth participation in conservation. He also welcomed ICCROM’s strategic directions for 2026–2031 and urged stronger South-South cooperation to build regional resilience and knowledge exchange.
Drawing on recent domestic experience, the minister described Pakistan’s post-flood heritage recovery efforts as a case study for international collaboration, a contribution that drew positive reactions from member states. He emphasised that strengthening the ICCROM partnership will help channel technical assistance, training and practical support to national conservation projects across Pakistan.
Khichi’s participation in the assembly forms part of a broader cultural diplomacy agenda that includes recent regional engagements such as the OIC Cultural Festival in Baku. By reinforcing ties with ICCROM, Pakistan aims to translate international commitments into tangible conservation outcomes at home while supporting global frameworks for heritage protection.
