ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi while stressing the need for promoting religious tourism in the region has said that it would help reduce tension and foster peace in the world.
While addressing the inaugural session of the International Ghandhara Symposium, he said Pakistan offered the world a valuable window to Gandhara civilisation with its unique blend of ancient history, and the Buddha’s message of peace and compassion.
The symposium titled, “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara civilisation and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan” was organised by the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The objective of the symposium was to raise global awareness about the historical and cultural significance of the Gandhara civilisation and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan had successfully defeated the menace of terrorism and the country was safe for foreign travelers including those coming to the country for religious tourism.
He added that all religions preach peace and we have to promote this message in order to bring cohesion and harmony in our societies. He said the world needs to shun the course of conflicts.
The president said the civilisations cropped up along the rivers which imply open heartedness. Highlighting the beauty of Indus Valley civilisation, he pointed out that whilst excavation not even an arrowhead was found in Mohenjo Daro.
Welcoming the monks from various countries, the president said Pakistan possesses the most number of Buddhist artifacts. He said Buddhist civilisation has roots in Swat, Peshawar, and Afghanistan.
“In today’s world where hatred is on the rise and increasing polarisation is fueling conflicts, it’s time to rediscover the role of cultural diplomacy to promote dialogue among civilisations,” he said in his address here at the three-day Gandhara Symposium 2023.
The event gathered monks and inter-faith experts from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, China, Malaysia, South Korea, and Vietnam with an objective to explore Pakistan’s rich Buddhist legacy and create an enabling environment for Gandhara tourism.
The president said Buddha’s quest rekindles the spirit of inner reflection with a precept to abstain from taking lives of the living beings and caring for the environment.
He highlighted that the Gandhara civilisation, which thrived in Pakistan centuries ago, could serve as an informative place for visitors from across the globe to explore exquisite Buddhist sites.
He urged collaborative efforts to raise awareness about the inclusive and multicultural nature of Gandhara civilisation and help the society to absorb the diversity of cultures. The president welcomed the Buddhist monks in the country, hoping that their presence would relay a message of peace and cross-cultural harmony.
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