A three-day Gandhara symposium 2023 titled “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan” was held on July 11, 2023, in Islamabad. The symposium aimed to promote and preserve the rich cultural heritage of Gandhara, an ancient civilization that thrived in the region now known as Pakistan.
The Gandhara civilization, located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, emerged as a vibrant hub of cultural exchange and creativity. The rediscovered cities of Gandhara showcased their well-structured and modern lifestyles through various art forms such as paintings, sculptures, money, pottery and other cultural relics, with their association with Buddhism.
Organised by the Prime Minister's Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), and the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the event has attracted prominent speakers and participants from various countries, including China, Pakistan, Nepal and Thailand. The symposium comprised four sessions that focus on exploring the significance of the Gandhara civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan. Additionally, a round table discussion and visits to Taxila and Peshawar Museums were planned, followed by a cultural evening.
Recognizing the importance of preserving and promoting the Buddhist Gandhara heritage, Pakistan aims to leverage digital and social media platforms to project it to the world. Focusing on cultural diplomacy, the symposium explored new initiatives that would foster tourism, and waas poised to contribute significantly to the revival and promotion of Gandhara civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan.
Source: Pakistan Today