Pakistan recently hosted a three-day Gandhara Symposium 2023 in Islamabad, titled “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan.” The event, held from July 11 to July 13, aimed to shed light on the rich history of the Gandhara civilization and raise global awareness about Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage.
Religious leaders from various countries including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Malaysia participated in the symposium. They shared their thoughts and viewpoints on the historical legacy of Gandhara and the flourishing era of Buddhism in the region. The delegates also visited key locations associated with the origin of Buddhism in Pakistan, namely Mardan, Peshawar, and Taxila.
The Inaugural Session was graced by the presence of His Excellency Dr. Arif Alvi, the President of Pakistan, who addressed the symposium as the Chief Guest. Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Minister of State and Chairman of the PM Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, was the Guest of Honour. The Concluding Session featured an address by Senator Talha Mahmood, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs & Inter-Faith Harmony. The symposium’s organization was greatly facilitated by Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director of the China-Pakistan Study Center.
President Arif Alvi, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering dialogue among civilizations, particularly in an era marked by increasing polarization and conflicts. He called for the revival of the magnificent Gandhara civilization and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan, highlighting the nation’s potential to serve as a gateway to this ancient history of peace and compassion.
Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Chairman of the PM Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, expressed Pakistan’s ability to attract thousands of tourists and generate substantial revenue by promoting Gandhara tourism. He revealed plans to facilitate Buddhist tourists from different countries, including the arrangement of charter flights in July and August. Furthermore, a dedicated web portal has been established to streamline religious tourism and ensure expedited visa processing within seven days.
Dr. Vankwani stressed that the promotion of Pakistan’s Gandhara heritage is his personal dream and necessitates the collective support of relevant departments and institutions. He emphasized the significance of leveraging cultural soft power and highlighted the historical sites in Punjab and Sindh provinces that hold immense potential for archaeological research and spiritual tourism. By engaging thought leaders, religious figures, and scholars from around the world, Pakistan aims to revive its tourism sector, particularly in the realm of religious tourism, while enhancing its cultural diplomacy efforts.
Returning from their visit to Pakistan, Venerable Dr. Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thero, Chief Monk of Abhayagiri Temple in Sri Lanka, Venerable Welivitiye Sujeewa Thero, and Mr. Nishantha Pushpakumara from the Ministry of Buddhasasana & Religious Affairs expressed their admiration for Pakistan’s efforts in highlighting its Buddhist heritage during the international symposium. They commended the Pakistani government’s dedication to preserving the Gandhara Civilization.
The symposium marked a significant step forward for Pakistan in promoting its cultural and religious tourism, and it is hoped that increased international recognition and the influx of tourists will revitalize the tourism sector and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
