The three-day International Gandhara Symposium, titled Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan, is continuing in Islamabad.
According to the details, International Gandhara Symposium is aimed at showcasing the treasure trove of Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, the Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Talha Mahmood said Pakistan is open for religious tourism and we welcome the followers of all religions including Buddhism to visit their archeological sites in Pakistan. He rejected the propaganda campaign against the Muslims saying our great religion Islam preaches peace, compassion, tolerance, and harmony.
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Minister for Religious Affairs Talha Mahmood stressed that inter-cultural dialogue is essential to foster understanding and mutual respect amongst the nations. He noted that cultural diplomacy enables us to celebrate our shared heritage. He said we should carry forward the torch of cultural diplomacy to promote the message of peace and harmony.
“The legacy of Gandhara civilization and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan is not just a relic of the past but it is a guiding light that can illuminate our present and inspire our future,” the Minister added.
In his remarks, Chairman Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said there is great potential for Buddhist tourism in Pakistan. He said Pakistan is working to facilitate the tourists and build the necessary infrastructure. It is to be mentioned here that a number of Buddhist monks from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, and Sri Lanka are attending the symposium. The monks will visit Taxila Museum and the archeological sites there today.
