K & P

K-P govt to restore Buddhist sites in ex-FATA

There are almost 1,000 sacred Buddhist sites in tribal districts

Our Correspondent January 01, 2019

A general view of the main stupa is seen after it was discovered and unveiled to the public during a ceremony at the Buddhist-period archaeological site near Haripur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Photo: Reuters

KHYBER: Senior Minister for Tourism, Archeology, Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Atif Khan has said that in tribal areas apart from the sacred sites of Buddhism there are historic monuments of the British era as well which will be restored and preserved

On the occasion of his visit to district Khyber Atif said Safari train till Torkham border will ply once again and and youth apart from being provided employment opportunities will be provided with sports grounds as well. The senior minister on this occasion also visited 1,000 years old Shapola Stupa situated in Khyber district Jamrod.

Senior Minister Atif Khan visits Khyber district. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Senior minister said that in the tribal areas there are almost 1,000 sacred Buddhist sites of which 100 of them are located in Jamrud only and because now the tribal areas are a part of Khyber Pakhtunkhuwa thereby a survey will be conducted to mark all the sacred Buddhist sites and British era monuments after which these spots will be refurbished and preserved

Atif said the tribal areas are endowed with natural beauty and by promoting tourism we will prove it to world that there is no terrorism and the people living here are peaceful.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 1^st, 2019.