Buddha’s Quest Rekindles Spirit of Inner Reflection for Caring for the Environment: President Alvi
Cultural Diplomacy provides enabling environment for Gandhara tourism says president
- Pakistan has a great potential of Buddhist tourism in says Ramesh Kumar
- Cultural dialogue is essential to foster understanding and mutual respect amongst the nations says Talha Mahmood
ISLAMABAD: 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., said, President Dr Arif Alvi on Tuesday in his address here at the three-day Gandhara Symposium 2023.
The symposium titled ‘Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan’ was organized 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 symposium brought together monks and inter-faith experts from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, China, Malaysia, South Korea and Vietnam to explore Pakistan’s rich Buddhist legacy and create an enabling environment for Gandhara tourism.
“In today’s world where hatred is on the rise and increasing polarization is fuelling conflicts, it’s time to rediscover the role of cultural diplomacy to promote dialogue among civilizations,” the president added.
President further said Pakistan offered the world a valuable window to Gandhara civilization with its unique blend of ancient history, and the Buddha’s message of peace and compassion.
He highlighted that the Gandhara civilization could serve as an informative place for visitors from across the globe to explore exquisite Buddhist sites. Alvi urged collaborative efforts to raise awareness about the inclusive and multicultural nature of Gandhara civilization and help the society to absorb the diversity of cultures.
Addressing the symposium 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.
The Minister rejected the propaganda campaign against the Muslims saying our great religion Islam preaches peace, compassion, tolerance and harmony.
The Minister further 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.
Talha Mahmood said we should carry forward the torch of cultural diplomacy to promote the message of peace and harmony.
Addressing the symposium, Chairman Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said there is a great potential of Buddhist tourism in Pakistan.
He said Pakistan is working to facilitate the tourists and build the necessary infrastructure.
He also highlighted steps being taken for the promotion of religious tourism in the country.
He said through cultural diplomacy, we can build bridges and foster greater understanding.
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 to broaden their understanding the heritage of Pakistan.
