Pakistan and Thailand agree to to preserve Buddhist heritage and gandhara diplomacy in a meeting held in Islamabad between ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan and Federal minister for national heritage and culture Mr Aurangzeb Khan khichi
ISLAMABAD, April 30, 2026 — In a significant move for international cultural diplomacy, the Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, and renowned monk Most Venerable Anil Sakiya, met with Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi.
The high-level meeting focused on enhancing collaboration to preserve, promote, and showcase Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist civilization and Gandhara heritage sites.
Pakistan: A “Second Home” for the Buddhist Community
During the discussion, Most Venerable Anil Sakiya emphasized the spiritual importance of Pakistan to the global Buddhist community. He described Pakistan as a “second home” due to its deep historical roots and ancestral connections.
“Pakistan holds a special place in our hearts. We urge the government to take concrete steps to preserve this ancient civilization for future generations,” said Sakiya.
The monk specifically highlighted Taxila as a cornerstone of the Gandhara Civilization, noting its historical role as a premier center of learning and a destination of immense reverence.
Federal Initiatives for Gandhara Preservation
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi updated the Thai delegation on recent governmental efforts. Key highlights include:
- Provincial Consultation: Coordination with provincial governments to streamline preservation efforts.
- Expert Involvement: Pakistan will actively involve international monks and Buddhist scholars in the conservation of artifacts.
- The Islamabad Museum: A proposal to house newly excavated artifacts in the Islamabad Museum for better public access and climate-controlled preservation.
Boosting Religious Tourism through “Gandhara Diplomacy”
The Thai Ambassador and Federal Minister agreed that Pakistan possesses untapped potential for religious tourism. To capitalize on this, the delegation proposed the concept of “Gandhara Diplomacy.” ### Key Pillars of the New Strategy:
- International Exhibitions: Showcasing Gandhara artifacts in Buddhist-majority countries to foster cultural ties.
- Buddhist Civilization Centre: Establishing a dedicated research and education institution in Islamabad.
- Joint Expert Teams: Forming a committee of heritage specialists and monks to identify and protect original artifacts.
The Future of Excavation in Pakistan
Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, shared a startling statistic: only 25% of Pakistan’s total heritage has been excavated. He noted that while the potential for new discoveries is vast, further excavation is strictly tied to the development of modern preservation and display facilities. Both nations concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to safeguarding this invaluable legacy, viewing it as a spiritual bridge between Pakistan and the world.
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