• The symposium aims to strengthen international relationships, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate cultural exchanges.
• Objective of the conference is to promote and preserve Pakistan’s rich historical and cultural Buddhist heritage.
• Foreign panelists, including archaeology experts, will participate in the sessions and contribute their insights.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari are set to deliver speeches at the inaugural session of a three-day Gandhara symposium, which will be held from July 11 to July 13.

The symposium, titled “Cultural Diplomacy: Reviving Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage in Pakistan,” aligns with the PM’s vision of promoting interfaith harmony and aims to raise global awareness about the historical and cultural significance of the Gandhara civilization and Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.

The event will feature speeches by the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Gandhara Tourism, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, and Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Senator Talha Mehmood, as well as keynotes from various foreign and local dignitaries.

The delegates will also have the opportunity to meet with President Dr. Arif Alvi.

The symposium is jointly organized by the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the National Heritage and Culture Division, and the Archaeology Departments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The primary objective of the conference is to promote and preserve Pakistan’s rich historical and cultural Buddhist heritage.

Through the use of cultural diplomacy, the symposium aims to strengthen international relationships, foster mutual understanding, and facilitate cultural exchanges.

The conference program includes speeches, panel discussions, and a field visit to religious sites significant to the Buddhist community.

It also serves as a platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas and best practices.

Prominent Buddhist monks from Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea, and Sri Lanka are expected to attend the symposium.

Foreign panelists, including archaeology experts, cultural foundation members, and university professors from various countries, will participate in the sessions and contribute their insights.