‘Cultural diplomacy key to religious harmony’

Visiting monks say need to end security misconceptions

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Senator Talha Mahmood said on Wednesday that followers of all religions living in the world can be brought closer together through cultural diplomacy, passion and cooperation.

He said this while visiting heritage sites along with a delegation of Buddhists and monks who are in Pakistan for a three-day international symposium on Gandhara to promote religious tourism.

People of different religions live in Pakistan with complete freedom, claimed the minister while citing the Sikh shrine in Kartarpur and the opening of the cross-border corridor with India as an example of the importance given to religious tourism.

Senator Mahmud told The Express Tribune that the Gandhara Civilization is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. He said it people around the world were interested in this ancient civilization and the secrets it held.

He said Pakistanis welcomed people from around the world who wished to come here to spend time at places of worship of different religions, he added. Although Pakistan has a large number of Muslims, the country welcomes people of all religions with open heart, he added.

He continued that the propaganda about Muslims in the world was based on falsehood. “Islamic teachings preach tolerance, affection, love and brotherhood.”

Minister of State Ramesh Vankwani, who is also an aide to the premier on Gandhara tourism, said that resolutions presented at the symposium would be shared with diplomatic missions.

There are vast opportunities for Buddhist tourism in Pakistan, he said. According to him, promoting religious tourism would help in achieving peace and harmony. He said that Pakistan is working to provide facilities to tourists and build the necessary infrastructure.

“The symposium is a symbol of Pakistan's commitment to preserve and promote the rich Buddhist heritage of Gandhara Buddhism, a major centre of learning and teaching,” he asserted.

Monk Shen Wing-in from China said Pakistan's Buddhist heritage offered a source of peace, harmony and tranquility. “The best way to preserve cultural heritage is to share it with the world and let them be part of that world,” he continued.

Another monk from Thailand said that it was a historic day for him as he was part of the delegation visiting the heritage sites in Pakistan. Buddhist heritage has economic potential and educational appeal, he added. He recommended promoting Gandhara heritage to the world and creating economic opportunities for Pakistan.

Monk Quang Nagin from Vietnam said that there was a need to remove misconceptions about Pakistan in the context of security. He said that there was a need to create confidence among Buddhists to visit religious places in Pakistan.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 13^th, 2023.