Pakistan reaffirms commitment to Gandhara Heritage at Third International Buddhist Conference

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi Tuesday declared Pakistan a proud custodian of one of humanity's most significant Buddhist civilizations, stressing that the preservation of Gandhara heritage is not merely a national responsibility but a global obligation.

"The Gandharan civilization represents a remarkable fusion of South Asian and Hellenistic traditions and remains an invaluable part of humanity's shared heritage," the Minister said while addressing the inaugural session of the Third International Conference on the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan at Taxila Institute of Archeology and Civilizations, Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU).

Calling the conference a platform for intercultural dialogue and international understanding, Aurangzeb Khichi said the teachings of Mahatma Buddha carry timeless relevance. "At a time when the world faces division and conflict, the message of Gandhara reminds us of the importance of compassion, coexistence, dialogue, and peace," he said, adding that these values strongly resonate with Pakistan's vision for regional harmony and cultural cooperation.

The minister underscored Pakistan's deep historical roots in Buddhist civilization. "Pakistan is home to one of the world's most significant centers of Buddhist civilization. The ancient Gandhara civilization, spread across Taxila, Swat, Peshawar, Mardan, and Charsadda, played a historic role in the development of Buddhist learning, art, architecture, and philosophy," he stated.

Highlighting concrete government action, Aurangzeb Khichi said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif remains firmly committed to preserving and promoting Gandhara civilization.

He outlined key initiatives undertaken in recent years, including conservation and restoration of major Buddhist archaeological sites, improved protection and management of heritage locations, promotion of archaeological research and international scholarly collaboration, digital documentation and preservation of historical artifacts, and facilitation of religious tourism for international pilgrims and visitors.

"Pakistan is also strengthening cooperation with international organizations, universities, archaeologists, and cultural partners to ensure that this priceless heritage is preserved for future generations," the minister emphasised.

Acknowledging the role of diverse stakeholders, Aurangzeb Khichi paid tribute to those working on the ground. "I appreciate the contributions of archaeologists, conservation experts, local communities, academic institutions, and cultural organizations whose efforts continue to safeguard these invaluable treasures," he said.

The minister described the conference as a bridge between nations and cultures.

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"This conference seeks to promote research on Buddhist heritage, encourage academic dialogue, strengthen international cooperation in archaeology and conservation, and highlight Pakistan's historic role as a center of Buddhist civilization," he said, expressing confidence that it would produce meaningful recommendations for the global recognition of Gandhara.

Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, also addressed the inaugural session, saying the university has always upheld the values of academic excellence and quality research as its founding principles.

"Quaid-i-Azam University is a place where students are not merely taught from textbooks, they are encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogues about the contemporary challenges facing humanity," Prof. Jaspal said. "Hosting this international conference is a reflection of that very mission."

The academic sessions featured presentations by a distinguished array of international and local scholars. Among those who presented in person were Stefan Baums, Chai Yee Leow, Joseph La Rose, Kiran S. Siddiqui, Saira Ramzan, Thich Huong Yen, Wu Bi, Keith Leitich, Ruth Young, Venerable You Deng, Hamid Ali Gadhi, Jawaria Hamid, Atta Ullah Khan, Asif Ali, Maryam Iqbal Ghumman, Aisha Bibi, Abdul Hameed, and Riffat Saif Dar. Venerable Wellane Ananda Thero and Tom Corcoran also participated online, reflecting the broad global interest this conference has generated among Buddhist scholars and researchers worldwide.

The research papers covered a wide spectrum of themes including Gandharan manuscripts and inscriptions, Buddhist iconography, monastic institutions, interfaith dialogue, Silk Road cultural transmission, and heritage sites across Swat, Sindh, Chitral, and beyond.

Among the distinguished attendees were Ms. Rita Dhital, Ambassador of Nepal, and Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Vietnam, reflecting strong diplomatic interest from Buddhist-majority nations in Pakistan's Gandhara heritage initiatives.

Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Muhammad Asim Khichi, also graced the occasion, underscoring the importance of media engagement in promoting Pakistan's rich cultural and heritage narrative at the national and international level.

The five-day conference, organized by the Humanistic Buddhism Research Centre and Taxila Institute of Archaeology and Civilizations at Quaid-i-Azam University, is being held under the theme "Exploring the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan through Multidisciplinary Research."

The program includes academic sessions, panel discussions, and post-conference guided tours to key Buddhist heritage sites in Taxila, Peshawar, Mardan, and Swat. A Vesak Day Celebration is also scheduled on May 20, coinciding with one of Buddhism's most sacred observances worldwide.