Decision 46 COM 7B.39

Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta (Pakistan) (C 143)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/24/46.COM/7B,
2. Recalling Decision 45 COM 7B.170 adopted at its extended 45th session (Riyadh, 2023),
3. Commends the State Party’s continued actions following the August 2022 monsoon and floods’ impacts, in particular its close collaboration with the World Heritage Centre regarding the recommendations of the two UNESCO emergency missions in 2022 and 2023, and for the elaboration of the analytical report and the recommendations for conservation actions, and endorses the recommendations of the analytical report, including:
   1. Prioritizing the emergency conservation of two key monumental tombs and four platform tombs,
   2. Conducting an extensive drainage plan study and excavation with more detailed documentation,
   3. Addressing management and governance through the participation of international members to the Steering Committee,
   4. Monitoring of the work of Heritage Foundation Pakistan and that of the Endowment Fund Trust,
   5. Reinstalling polycarbonate crack monitors at the mausoleum of Jam Nizamuddin II and other locations,
   6. Procuring an orthophoto of the entire site to support a topographic drainage map and an update of the general survey,
   7. Enforcing a strict ban on smoking on-site, and improving of water supply,
   8. Allocating funds to procure necessary equipment;
4. Requests the State Party to continue addressing its previous decisions and the recommendations of the 2019 Reactive Monitoring mission, ensuring overall site monitoring, and applying on-site preparative and mitigation measures;
5. Welcomes the elaboration of the Conservation Plan, the Disaster Risk Review Plan and the updated Management Plan, requests that these important documents be refined and revised in accordance with the ICOMOS Technical reviews before they are finalised and implemented, and notes that the inclusion of action plans and costed schedules, including preparation of a technical proposal for emergency and short-term interventions for prioritised monuments with cost estimates, may assist with fundraising and securing further international support;
6. Notes with satisfaction that the property continues to play an important role for the nation and the local population and requests the State Party to ensure that the property’s living nature be sustained while security and safety and conservation works are conducted;
7. Requests the State Party to continue pursuing opportunities to strengthen staff capacities in all areas of conservation, but particularly relating to stone conservation, moveable heritage and detached architectural elements, as well as risk management and preparedness;
8. Noting the explanation on the rationale for interventions on the Mausoleum of Isa Khan Tarkhan II and the main gate, invites the State Party to submit all necessary technical documents and impact assessments when considering projects within the inscribed zone, buffer zone and wider setting of the property that may affect its Outstanding Universal Value, in conformity with the Operational Guidelines;
9. Requests the State Party to submit detailed project documentation for the proposed conservation works to the mausoleum of Jam Nizamuddin II, in conformity with paragraphs 118bis and 172 of the Operational Guidelines;
10. Requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, at its earliest opportunity, a proposal for a Minor Boundary Modification in line with Paragraphs 163-164 and Annex 11 of the Operational Guidelines and reflecting the boundaries identified in 2013, along with a regulatory plan for the proposed buffer zone, for review by the Advisory Bodies;
11. Appreciates the financial support provided through the UNESCO/Netherlands Funds-in Trust, which enables immediate intervention to safeguard two tombs identified as short-term priorities by the emergency mission, and calls upon the international community to provide further support and technical assistance to strengthen the management framework and preserve other priority monuments within the property;
12. Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 December 2025, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 48th session.