Australia agrees to promote Gandhara tourism

Minister says Buddhist sites may help enhance diplomacy

ISLAMABAD:

Australian High Commissioner in Islamabad Neil Hawkins has shown keen interest in promotion of Gandhara tourism in Pakistan.

In a meeting with Minister of State and Chairman PM's Taskforce on Gandhara Tourism Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, he was informed about the efforts to attract international tourists.

The high commissioner was of the view that the rich cultural heritage sites of Pakistan have huge potential to bring people of Pakistan closer with the international community.

Dr Ramesh Vankwani, while expressing his views, stated that the various archaeological sites, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and Gandhara artifacts of Pakistan hold immense historical, cultural, and religious significance. "Gandhara heritage sites are a testimony to Pakistan's remarkable Gandhara heritage. They have immense potential for religious and cultural diplomacy as well as tourism," the Minister emphasised.

The high commissioner also lauded Dr Ramesh Vankwani for organising the International Gandhara Symposium in which several international monks and delegates participated.

On the occasion, various matters of bilateral interest also came under discussion.

According to statistics, up to 7% of the world population (approximately 520 million) is composed of Buddhists whereas a good number of followers of Buddha also reside in Australia.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1^st, 2023.