About Us

The National Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Inventory of Pakistan has been established to safeguard and promote intangible elements like folklore, customs, beliefs, traditions, knowledge, and language. This inventory is the first step towards nominating elements for UNESCO’s Lists of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which aim to protect global intangible cultural heritages and raise awareness about their importance.

UNESCO created these lists to safeguard significant intangible cultural heritages worldwide and emphasize their significance. The program, starting in 2010, comprises three lists. The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity includes cultural practices and expressions that showcase diversity and promote awareness. The List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding includes elements requiring immediate measures for continuity. The Register of Good Safeguarding Practices lists successful safeguarding approaches.

<p><justify>Pakistan signed the UNESCO Convention 2003 for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005, affirming its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Recent achievements include establishing an ICH Cell in 2016, translating the 2003 ICH Convention into Urdu in 2018, and successfully inscribing “Nowrouz” and “Falconry” on UNESCO’s Representative List. “Suri Jagek” from the Kailash community was listed as urgently needing safeguarding in 2018. </justify></p>

Pakistan has nominated Narh Sur for inclusion in UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, the government of Sindh has submitted Borindo for inclusion in the urgent safeguarding list of ICH this year, alongside Narh Sur. Borindo is an indigenous musical instrument of Sindh, characterized by a clay ball with three holes on its body.

The submissions of Narh Sur and Borindo will undergo examination by the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO at its nineteenth session, scheduled for November/December 2024. This process marks a significant step in recognizing and safeguarding Pakistan’s rich intangible cultural heritage on the global stage.

ICH NOMINATIONS

Pakistan became a signatory to the UNESCO Convention 2003 for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) back in 2005, demonstrating its commitment to preserving its diverse cultural heritage.

Some notable achievements include:

• Successful inscription of “Nowrouz” and “Falconry” on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural contributions on a global platform.
• Listing of “Suri Jagek” from the Kailash community on the Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2018, highlighting the urgency and importance of preserving this particular cultural element.