Diplomats impressed by Gandhara heritage

Dr Vankwani urges promotion of religious tourism

PESHAWAR:

Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Minister of State and Chairman of the Prime Minister Task Force for Gandhara Tourism, has called for the promotion of archaeological sites, particularly Gandhara, to showcase a positive image of Pakistan globally and boost religious tourism in the region.

During his visit to the historical and archaeological sites in Takht Bahi, Mardan, Dr Vankwani highlighted the significance of Takht Bahi as an ancient center of education and training during the Gandhara civilization, emphasizing that it still holds valuable lessons.

Accompanied by ambassadors, diplomats, students, and media representatives, Dr Vankwani stressed the need for federal and provincial governments to collaborate in providing facilities, including visas and accommodations, to foreigners to facilitate tourism.

He emphasized the role of Prime Minister’s Task Force in ensuring missing facilities are addressed and sites are developed according to international standards.

Dr Vankwani expressed respect for all religions and encouraged visits to archaeological sites to promote interfaith harmony and strengthen the economy through tourism.

He urged the bureaucracy, business community, and media to actively contribute to the promotion of these sites and attract foreign tourists.

The diplomats expressed their happiness in visiting the Gandhara-era Takht Bahi holy place and called for measures to facilitate foreign tourists.

The Thai Ambassador emphasized the importance of special efforts to promote such sites as the people of his country were keen to visit these areas.

The delegation was briefed on the history of the Gandhara civilization and its remains by the Sub Regional Office’s in charge, Mian Wahab Shah, who highlighted the positive impact of tourism on the local economy.

Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 tourists, including foreigners, visit the site of Takht Bahi on weekends, creating opportunities for the local people.

Dr Vankwani lamented the lack of pragmatic steps taken by the previous Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government to promote archaeological and religious sites in the province. However, he expressed his commitment to implementing various plans to boost tourism.

Ambassadors of Indonesia and Thailand, diplomats of Nepal, China and Bangladesh and students living in China, Pakistan, civil society, foreigners and media representatives also accompanied the state minister.

He said that mention of Gandhara civilization was incomplete without reference to the great Maharaja Ashoka whose territories included present-day Pakistan, Afghanistan and India.

He expressed unwavering dedication to implementing a diverse range of plans aimed at bolstering tourism.

The diplomats, exuberant about their visit to the historical site, emphasized the vital necessity of facilitating foreign tourists’ access to these captivating destinations in Pakistan.

The Thai Ambassador emphasized the significance of targeted endeavors to promote these sites, as they attract considerable interest from people in his home country who are eager to explore these extraordinary regions.