ISLAMABAD: A delegation of respected Buddhist leaders called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. The delegation is visiting Pakistan to attend a symposium and exhibition titled ‘From Gandhara to the World’ organized by the Ministry of External Affairs.
The delegation included the Sri Lankan Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Venerable Vidura Wikramanayaka, Most Venerable Thich Duc Tuan from Vietnam, Most Venerable Anil Sakya from Thailand and Dr. Keshabman Shakya from Nepal.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the delegation. He expressed his gratitude for their participation in the symposium held in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’ which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is proud of its ancient Buddhist heritage which flourished in the northwest of Pakistan in the form of Gandhara art and culture more than two thousand years ago. He emphasized the importance his government attached to interfaith harmony. He also appreciated the valuable contributions of Buddhist scholars and monks to promote interfaith harmony and understanding.
Buddhist leaders praised the prime minister’s commitment to promoting a culture of inclusiveness and respect for all religions. They also appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and promote Buddhist heritage and cultural artefacts. The members of the delegation showed their keen desire to cooperate with Pakistan in preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage in Pakistan.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister and the delegation discussed ways to strengthen interfaith dialogue and cooperation, as well as opportunities for cultural and academic exchanges between Pakistan and Buddhist-majority countries.
The meeting ended with a resolution to continue to find ways of mutual understanding and cooperation and to work together for a more harmonious and peaceful world. In this context, the possibility of creating a joint forum for dialogue and cooperation was particularly discussed.
Minister for Religious Affairs Ch. Salik Hussain, Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Cultural Heritage Ataullah Tarar, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi also attended the meeting.
