The British Council marked ten years of the Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) by convening the Pakistan Heritage Exchange, a two-day capacity-building and knowledge-sharing programme held at Alhamra, Lahore on 10-11 February 2026.
The Exchange brought together heritage practitioners, policymakers, researchers and community custodians from across Pakistan, the UK and South Asia, underscoring the British Council’s commitment to cultural exchange, protection and UK-Pakistan collaboration.
James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan, said: “The Cultural Protection Fund is investing in people who protect Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The British Council will continue to play an important role in building the skills, knowledge and understanding of heritage professionals who are at the forefront of this work.”
Usman Sami, President, ICOMOS Pakistan, said “The Pakistan Heritage Exchange highlights the importance of shared learning and locally grounded heritage practice, and demonstrates how cultural partnerships can strengthen heritage protection in rapidly changing contexts. As programming partner, ICOMOS Pakistan welcomed the opportunity to contribute to a programme focused on knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and future collaboration.”
Over two days, participants explored Pakistan’s rich cultural landscape – from ancient sites to living traditions – while addressing growing challenges including climate change, urbanisation and limited sector resources. Discussions highlighted the importance of partnership and community-led approaches in safeguarding heritage.
The programme featured keynote addresses, panel discussions and practical workshops focused on strengthening networks and building sector resilience. Day one concluded with a powerful performance by Ustad Noor Bakhsh, celebrating the living traditions at the heart of cultural heritage.
Now in its tenth year, the Cultural Protection Fund protects heritage at risk from conflict and climate change. Since 2022, it has supported projects across Pakistan, from preserving maritime heritage in the Indus Delta and Hazara cultural practices, to restoring Buddhist rock carvings in Swat, rehabilitating Silk Route architecture, supporting the Mohana community at Manchar Lake, and revitalising Karachi’s 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 Fund has supported 149 projects across 16 countries, investing in conservation, documentation, skills development and community resilience.
The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. We do this through our work in arts and culture, education and the English language. We work with people in over 200 countries and territories and are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2022-23 we reached 600 million people.