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Sources allege that extremist groups have deliberately targeted Hindu and Buddhist imagery at several locations, defacing them with permanent paint or scratching out figures
Names have been etched on the heritage sites, damaging centuries-old history. (News18)
Prestigious Hindu and Buddhist heritage sites across Pakistan—some dating back nearly 5,000 years—are facing increasing threats from vandalism, neglect and illegal occupation, according to activists, experts and intelligence assessments accessed by CNN-News18.
Areas of concern include Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Chilas, Hunza, Shatial, parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where ancient temples, petroglyphs and inscriptions are located. Researchers estimate that more than 25,000 petroglyphs and inscriptions exist in the Chilas–Hunza–Shatial belt alone, with dates ranging from 5000 BCE to the 16th century CE.
Sources allege that extremist groups have deliberately targeted Hindu and Buddhist imagery at several locations, defacing them with permanent paint or scratching out figures. In some cases, local authorities have also drawn criticism for painting official notices directly over ancient carvings, actions experts say amount to desecration of priceless heritage.
Intelligence inputs cited by sources describe Chilas as an area with the presence of hardline Islamist groups, raising concerns about the safety of nearby archaeological and religious sites. Separately, activists claim that multiple Hindu and Buddhist sites are under illegal occupation, with little visible action taken to reclaim or protect them.
Cultural heritage advocates argue that Pakistan has failed to adequately uphold its commitments under UNESCO conventions and international agreements aimed at protecting minority and indigenous heritage. They warn that continued inaction could lead to irreversible loss of historically significant sites that are part of South Asia’s shared civilisational past.
Calls are growing for stronger legal protection, on-ground security and international monitoring to safeguard these sites before further damage occurs.
Islamabad, Pakistan
December 29, 2025, 1:10 PM IST
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