ISLAMABAD: Several Buddhist monks and delegates from different countries attended the three-day ‘Gandhara Symposium’ in Islamabad that brings to life the rich artistic heritage of Gandhara, the historic region in present-day Pakistan.
The event titled “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan” was organized by the Prime Minister Task Force on Gandhara Tourism together with the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Dr. Abdul Samad, the director of KP archaeology, said that the main goal of the symposium is to showcase “Pakistan as the hub of religious tourism as a region sacred to Muslims and other religions, and that promotes religious harmony.”
Monks highlight the message of peace and tolerance
Faith leaders from several countries including China, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Nepal, Vietnam and Sri Lanka joined the symposium to celebrate the shared historical and cultural legacy.
Visiting delegates and monks from Malaysia, Singapore, Nepal, South Korea and Sri Lanka at the Gandhara Symposium 2023 held in Islamabad on July 11, 2023.
Speaking at the Gandhara symposium, the Chief Abbot of Buddha Bihara, Nepal, Bhikshu Kondanya, lauded Pakistan’s initiative to promote cultural diversity and religious tourism. “As a country with rich cultural heritage, and the centre of the Indus and Gandhara civilization, Pakistan can become a new attraction for tourists” he stated.
Venerable Anil Sakya, the Honorary Rector of the World Buddhist University in Thailand, emphasised the message of peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony in his speech. He expressed gratitude to Pakistani authorities for hosting the summit and strengthening the friendship between Islam and Buddhism is thousands of years old.
The faith leaders said that visiting the Gandhara sites in Pakistan is an “unforgettable experience” and that the “grand stupas and statues of Buddha are not only etched in the visitor’s mind but also in their heart”.
The visitors commended Pakistan’s efforts in preserving and promoting Gandhara civilization.
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