Shah Allah Ditta draws tourists

Pakistan is home to a wealth of ancient and culturally rich heritage sites, from the Indus Valley Civilization cities of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa to the Buddhist centers of Taxila and Takht Bahi. Equally significant are the Lahore Fort, the Katas Raj Temples, and the historic Rohtas Fort - each reflecting the diverse civilizations and rulers that shaped the region's past.

Though Islamabad is a modern capital, its history stretches back nearly two million years. Archaeologists have discovered numerous sites here, spanning prehistoric to modern times. Among the most notable remnants is the Buddhist Stupa at Ban Faqiran, believed to be the capital's oldest surviving Buddhist monument.

Located above caves along Shah Allah Ditta Road, the stupa can be reached after a steep two-hour hike. Built with ashlar and diaper masonry, it is thought to date back to the Buddhist civilization centuries ago. "The silence here speaks louder than words," said Muhammad Kamran, a visitor from Bahawalpur. "We came for the hike but left with a deep appreciation for the devotion of early Buddhists."

In 2022, the Ban Faqiran caves and stupa briefly regained religious significance when a Buddhist community from Sindh held a Vesak ceremony there - the first in centuries. Since then, both local and international visitors have continued to visit the site for prayers and rituals. "On weekends, it gets crowded with tourists and worshippers," noted Arif Mehmood, the site's caretaker.

Recognizing its importance, the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture has initiated steps to preserve and promote Shah Allah Ditta and similar sites as heritage tourism destinations. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, said the government is preparing to launch a National Culture Policy aimed at reviving heritage, boosting creativity, and projecting a positive image of Pakistan abroad.