ISLAMABAD: A three-day Gandhara Symposium 2023 to celebrate the rich Buddhist heritage and traditions, is scheduled to be held from July 11 in a local hotel.
The event would be jointly organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Directorate of Archeology and Museums KP and Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), said a press release issued here Thursday.
Experts and scholars from various walks of life would participate in the Symposium.
Federal Capital to host three-day Global Gandhara Symposium starting from July 11th
Meanwhile, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, the head of the Prime Minister’s Task Force for Gandhara Tourism, has stated that the government is determined to promote religious tourism throughout the country. , under the auspices of the Prime Minister’s Task Force for Gandhara Tourism, a Round Table Conference was held at the federal capital to honor the distinguished ambassadors of various countries residing in Islamabad. Dr. Vankwani, while presiding over the conference, announced that the arrangements for the upcoming three-day Global Gandhara Symposium, scheduled to take place in Islamabad from July 11th, have been finalized.
Special guests include Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari
Dr. Vankwani further informed that the special guests of the conference will include Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Moreover, esteemed religious leaders from Buddhist-majority countries such as Korea, China, Sri Lanka, and Thailand have confirmed their participation in the conference. The delegates of the conference will be treated to a special tour of Taxila and Murree, including a visit to the historical sites of Takht-i-Bahi and the contemporary Taxila Museum, showcasing the ancient intellectual center of the region, where the renowned philosopher Chanakya once disseminated wisdom and knowledge.
Diplomatic delegates to visit Taxila and Margalla Hills for cultural exploration
In addition to the conference, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani revealed that the colorful cultural event of Gandhara Media Awards will be held on July 12th at the PNCA Auditorium, as part of the global conference. During the round table conference, diverse proposals were exchanged to bring Pakistan closer to countries that cherish tolerance, compassion, and peace, based on the teachings of Gautama Buddha. Representatives from Nepal, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Sudan, Malaysia, Norway, Palestine, Spain, and Afghanistan participated in the conference, while more than 70 Pakistani missions and diplomats abroad ensured their online presence.
The majority of ambassadors highlighted the difficulties faced in obtaining Pakistani visas, which poses a significant obstacle to the promotion of tourism. They emphasized the importance of direct and chartered flights for facilitating travel to and from Pakistan. Furthermore, they raised concerns regarding the challenges in obtaining NOCs (No Objection Certificates) for travel outside Islamabad. The participants underscored the significance of streamlined visa processes to enhance tourism and foster stronger international relations.
