New initiative to tap into Buddhist heritage
photo: Express
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the development of a comprehensive strategy to promote Gandhara tourism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).
The Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Gandhara Tourism and Minister of State, Dr. Ramesh Kumar, has been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing this special initiative.
The policy aims to conduct a comprehensive survey and global mapping of Buddhist sites in all provinces, including Azad Kashmir.
Additionally, a special conservation policy will be adopted to preserve the UNESCO-approved sites within the country.
The government plans to provide tourists visiting these sites with accommodation, food, security, and the necessary facilities to perform their religious duties, thus promoting religious tourism.
Minister Ramesh Kumar has expressed his dedication to formulating a National Gandhara Tourism Policy to boost religious tourism across the country.
He praised Malam Jabba for its rich cultural heritage, including various historical sites and scattered archaeological remains. These sites, such as ancient Buddhist stupas, monasteries, and ruins, offer valuable insights into the region’s past and also provide employment opportunities for the local population.
The minister earlier visited heritage sites including Bazira, Shigardar Stupa, Ghelegay Buddhist monument, museum, Butkara Stupa 1 and 2, Saidu Stupa, Wali Swat graveyard, White Palace and other close vicinity sites.
Minister Kumar noted that despite the significant cultural and historical value of Buddhist sites in Pakistan, no policy had been drafted to promote religious tourism in the past 75 years, resulting in its relative absence.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2023.