Karachi: Majyd Aziz, former president of the Employers Federation of Pakistan and founding chairman of the Pakistan Sri Lanka Business Forum, has proposed a week-long celebration of the Buddhist religious holiday Vesak, to be held in May 2025 in Taxila. The event is suggested to be a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Tourism and the Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism, supported by the Travel Agents Association of both countries.

According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, Aziz voiced this proposal while speaking at the Sri Lanka Tourism and Networking Evening in Karachi, organized by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau in cooperation with the Sri Lankan Consulate General. He highlighted the long-standing presence of Buddhism in Pakistan, pointing to numerous temples and relics spread across all provinces. Aziz urged the ministries and travel agents to work closely with their Asian counterparts to promote the event effectively.

Aziz also noted the routine visits to Pakistan by the global Sikh community, particularly to the Gurdwara Darbar Sharif in Kartarpur, Punjab. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing all necessary facilities for pilgrims. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the proposed Vesak celebration would boost Pakistan’s tourism sector and improve its image internationally.

The Karachi event featured speeches from several dignitaries, including Sri Lankan Consul General Jagath Abeywarna and CEO of the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau Thisum Jayasuria. The evening was capped with a performance by a Sri Lankan dance troupe, which was greatly enjoyed by the attendees. Aziz concluded by advocating for on-arrival visas for citizens of both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, anticipating increased tourist traffic and greater cultural exchange between the two nations.