Islamabad, May 23, 2023 (PPI-OT): The PM Task force on Gandhara Tourism, in a meeting chaired by Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, Chairman PM Task force on Gandhara Tourism with the status of Minister of State and the Patron-in-Chief of Pakistan Hindu Council (MNA) has decided that the Buddha birthday will be celebrated at Islamabad Museum on 26th May, 2023 at 10:00 am and the event will be graced by Ambassadors, art lovers and other dignitaries. The meeting was held at the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad on Tuesday, 23-05-2023 was attended by the Secretary, NH and C Division, Managing Director. PTDC, Director General, DOAM, Islamabad. Whereas several members including Director General of Archeology. Government of Punjab, Directorate of Archaeology, KPK, Directorate of Archaeology, Baluchistan and Director, Sindh Tourism Department attended the meeting ZOOM video call.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, the Chairman in his introductory remarks highlighted the importance of Gandhara Tourism. According to him, iconic monuments and heritage sites related to Gandhara Civilization must be protected and conserved in order to promote positive image of Pakistan and attracting foreign tourists, especially from Buddha majority countries of East Asia. It is also emphasized that three religions are associated with Gandhara civilization which includes Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. The following points were discussed in the meeting- 1. It is decided that all provincial heritage departments will manipulate report about the rich heritage sites of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism falling in their respective jurisdiction.

Particularly in the Gandhara region which is located in KPK. 2. All provincial heritage departments are requested to compile report about atleast 100 sites of Buddhism Jainism and Hinduism in their respective geographical location. 3. It is decided in the meeting that visit will be arranged for Ambassadors and other dignitaries towards archaeological sites of different provinces. The provinces are requested to arrange briefing / information about their focus sites which will be visited at different occasions 4. Buddhist community is having tremendous monuments in Gandhara region which are venerated by Buddhist from all over the world. The concerned provincial departments are requested to remain engaged with the Director General, DOAM for facilitation of the visits to these sites. They are also requested to upgrade their respective sites for the attraction of tourists. 5. Buddha birthday will be celebrated at Islamabad Museum on 26th May, 2023 at 10:00 am and the event will be graced by Ambassadors, art lovers and other dignitaries.

6. All heritage department of Pakistan are requested to prepare report on their potential sites related to Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. They are requested to come up with proper latest pictures and information of these sites. The report must be submitted to DOAM on 30th May, 2023. 7. Every week a visit will be arranged to different heritage sites related to above mentioned three faiths in various provinces. 8. PDF report of mapping project will be shared with the provinces to get latest feedback about their sites. The meeting was adjourned with a note of Thanks by the Chairman of the Taskforce.

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