Exhibit showcases Pakistan’s cultural heritage

Buddhist monks, scholars and foreign delegates speak at MoFA symposium

ISLAMABAD:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) is organising a symposium and an exhibition titled “From Gandhara to the World” that will run from May 28 to 29, 2024.

A large number of Islamabad-based diplomats, government functionaries, scholars, artists and art lovers are attending the event, alongside around 25 foreign delegates, including some at the ministerial level from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.

The event is being organised in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’, which commemorates Lord Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. It is aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and underscoring the importance that the government attaches to inter-faith harmony.

Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Honourable Vidura Wikramanayaka was the guest of honour at the inaugural session, which took place earlier today. While the welcome remarks were delivered by Additional Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Maryam Madiha Aftab, prominent Buddhist monks and scholars also addressed the inaugural session.

The speakers included Most Venerable Thich Ductuan from Vietnam, Venerable Anil Sakya from Thailand, scholar-cum-politician from Nepal, Om Charan Amatya, European Buddhist Union President, Stefano Davide Bettera and Pakistan Culture and Communication Centre, Tsinghua University Director from Beijing, Li Xiguang.

A message from the Chief Incumbent of the Ancient Rajamaha Viharaya of Kandy, Sri Lanka, Venerable Dhimbulkumbure Sri Sarankara Vimaladhamma Thera, who could not attend the event, was also read out by the Venerable Tempitiye Indawimala.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2024.