The British Council commemorated a decade of the Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) by convening the Pakistan Heritage Exchange, a two-day capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programme held at Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore.

The Exchange brought together heritage practitioners, policymakers, researchers, and community custodians from across Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and South Asia, reaffirming the British Council’s commitment to cultural exchange, heritage protection, and strengthened UK–Pakistan collaboration.

Addressing participants, James Hampson, Country Director of the British Council Pakistan, said the Cultural Protection Fund continues to invest in the people safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural legacy.

“The Cultural Protection Fund is investing in the individuals and institutions working to protect Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The British Council remains committed to strengthening the skills, knowledge, and networks of heritage professionals who stand at the forefront of this critical work,” he said.

Usman Sami, President of ICOMOS Pakistan, highlighted the importance of shared learning and locally grounded heritage practice. “The Pakistan Heritage Exchange underscores the value of collaborative learning and community-rooted approaches to heritage conservation. As programming partner, ICOMOS Pakistan was proud to contribute to a platform focused on knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and future cooperation, particularly at a time when heritage protection faces increasingly complex challenges,” he said.

Over two days, participants examined Pakistan’s diverse cultural landscape, from ancient archaeological sites to vibrant living traditions, while addressing mounting challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanisation, and limited sector resources. Discussions emphasised the importance of partnerships, innovation, and community-led models in safeguarding heritage in rapidly changing environments.

The programme featured keynote addresses, expert panel discussions, and practical workshops aimed at strengthening professional networks and building long-term sector resilience. The first day concluded with a compelling performance by Ustad Noor Bakhsh, marking his debut performance in Lahore and celebrating the living traditions that form the foundation of cultural heritage.

Now in its tenth year, the Cultural Protection Fund supports heritage at risk from conflict and climate change. Since 2022, the Fund has backed projects across Pakistan, including efforts to preserve maritime heritage in the Indus Delta, document cultural practices in Hazara, restore Buddhist rock carvings in Swat, rehabilitate Silk Route architecture, support the Mohana community at Manchar Lake, and revitalise Karachi’s historic Khaliqdina Hall and Library.

Established in 2016 by the British Council and funded by the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Cultural Protection Fund has supported 149 projects across 16 countries. The initiative continues to invest in conservation, documentation, skills development, and community resilience, reinforcing international cooperation in the protection of shared cultural heritage.