Information and Culture Minister Visits Bala Hissar Heritage Site in Kabul

Sheikh Shir Ahmad Haqqani, the Minister of Information and Culture for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, visited the historic Bala Hissar complex in Kabul to inspect ongoing archaeological and conservation efforts. The visit included tours of the site’s laboratory, antiquities exhibition, and active reconstruction projects coordinated with the Aga Khan Cultural Trust.

During the visit, Engineer Ajmal Maywandi, Head of Cultural Services at the Aga Khan organization, briefed the ministerial delegation on current site operations. Officials outlined the established protocol for handling newly discovered artifacts, which involves initial evaluation at the on-site laboratory, temporary storage in the local museum, and eventual transfer to the National Museum for permanent preservation.

Minister Haqqani emphasized that safeguarding the historical site is a shared national responsibility requiring coordinated documentation and conservation efforts. He pledged full government cooperation and support to ensure the long-term preservation of the complex and its cultural heritage. The ministry also noted that the Aga Khan organization’s coordination with the government extends to broader provincial heritage initiatives.

Bala Hissar remains one of Kabul’s most significant historical landmarks, with ongoing restoration work aimed at stabilizing its structures and cataloging its archaeological findings. The visit underscores the current administration’s stated focus on documenting and maintaining Afghanistan’s cultural assets through institutional partnerships.