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I extend my greetings to the nation and to all those committed to the preservation of our shared legacy. This day reminds us of the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage for future generations, as recognised globally by UNESCO.

Pakistan stands at the crossroads of some of the world's oldest civilisations. From the early Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods to the Bronze Age Indus Valley Civilisation, from the cultural richness of Mehrgarh, Moenjodaro and Gandhara to the Mughal eras, our land reflects a continuous journey of human creativity, innovation and resilience. These civilisations have left an enduring legacy of archaeological sites, architecture and cultural practices that define our national identity.

Equally significant is our intangible cultural heritage, including folklore, languages, music, crafts and performing arts. The romances of Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal, Umar Marvi, Sassi Punhoon, Adam Khan and Darkhanai, Hani and Shah Mureed, the poetry of Sufi saints and qawwali, and the rhythms of ethnic music expressed through rubab, alghoza, tabla, shehnai, flute, sarod, banjo, sarangi and dholak, carry the memory and emotional depth of our people. These traditions, passed down through generations, sustain continuity and shared values.

Our traditional crafts reflect the diversity and skill of Pakistan's communities. From Kashmiri embroidery and shawl weaving to Sindhi ajrak and ralli, from Balochi needlework to the blue pottery of Multan, from Peshawari chappal to Chitrali caps, and from the woodwork of Chiniot to truck art, each craft tells a distinct story and connects our past with the present.

Pakistan's World Heritage Sites represent the Indus civilisation, the Buddhist art of Gandhara and the forts and monuments of the Indo-Arab and Mughal periods. They stand as visible records of our history and cultural diversity.

For many citizens, heritage is not abstract. It shapes daily life. It supports livelihoods for artisans in markets and workshops, draws visitors to historic cities, and sustains local economies around sites and monuments. It also influences how children learn about their history in schools and how communities maintain a sense of place and continuity.

We remain committed to preserving these assets with professionalism and the use of modern conservation techniques. Preservation is both a responsibility and an opportunity to support tourism, cultural industries and economic activity.

I urge all stakeholders, including government institutions, provincial authorities, local communities and the youth, to work together for the protection, conservation and promotion of our heritage.