Shenzhen, Marking a significant moment in cultural diplomacy, the closing ceremony of the “Gandhara Heritage along the Silk Road: A Joint China-Pakistan Exhibition” was held at the Shenzhen Museum, concluding the largest Gandhara art exhibition ever hosted in China. The event saw the participation of senior Chinese officials and Pakistani representatives, including Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, celebrating the successful showcase of over 170 artifacts from Pakistan’s ancient Gandhara civilization across several Chinese cities.

According to Press Information Department, the exhibition, which initially debuted at Beijing’s Palace Museum, drew such considerable interest from the Chinese audience that it expanded into a touring showcase, traveling to Gansu and ultimately Shenzhen. This initiative not only underscores the deep cultural ties between Pakistan and China but also highlights the Gandhara civilization’s significant contributions to the Silk Road’s rich tapestry of cultural exchanges.

During the ceremony, Ambassador Hashmi lauded the collaborative efforts that made the exhibition possible and hinted at future projects to further celebrate the shared heritage between the two nations. He expressed gratitude towards Director Wang Xudong and his team for their instrumental role in the exhibition’s success. Meanwhile, Director Wang Xudong reflected on the profound impact and the privilege of contributing to such a landmark cultural exchange. The event not only served as a platform for showcasing Gandhara’s historical artifacts but also reinforced the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between China and Pakistan.

As the exhibition concludes, arrangements are being made for the return of the artifacts to Pakistan, with a specialized de-installation team expected to arrive post-Ramadan, marking the end of a chapter in the ongoing narrative of Pakistan-China cultural relations.