Revisiting the Cultural Heritage Laws in Pakistan to Identify Policy Gaps

Abstract

This study provides a critical insight and identifies gaps in the contemporary cultural heritage laws in Pakistan. Apart from a quick historical review this study explores the push-factors on the lawmaking process, preferences and the connotation using the lens of culture. It is ontologically a reflective epistemology. It also argues that culture and economic conditions play a vital role in formulation and regulation of the cultural policies. The study highlights the role of UNESCO in promoting cultural heritage worldwide and its connectedness with the domestic evolution of cultural heritage laws in Pakistan. This paper is significant because the agency is renegotiated between the federating units and the federation after the 18th amendment in the constitution of Pakistan. However, it is significant for Pakistan to develop her image as a heritage loving nation in the comity of the nations. The social episteme to analyze the people’s behaviors and it is a diverse process that may be categorized in different logical scenarios. Looking at the motivations or pull-factors may bring forth the significance of ideas for promoting and preservation of cultural heritage for the future. The data was collected by using ethnographic research methods and tools including participant observation, in-depth interviews and focused group discussion.