Member National Assembly MNA Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has introduced one of the most significant bills in parliamentary history, aimed at establishing the Gandhara Corridor to connect Pakistan with the Buddhist world.
“This act aims to encourage uniformity of approach among all branches of government and stakeholders for transforming Pakistan into a most favorite pilgrimage destination and an international hub of Gandhara tourism,” the proposed bill stated, which was submitted to the Secretary, National Assembly Secretariat, under Rule 118 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.
“It is expedient to establish a high level statuary body to ensure that due facilitation support at the Federal level must be provided to provinces and administrative units of Pakistan for pursuing a common national cause of promoting international pilgrimage/faith tourism through a systematic promotion of the Gandhara region, encompassing Pakistan.”
According to the bill, the Corridor shall be headed by the Chairperson to be appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, whereas the head office of the Corridor shall be in Islamabad. However, it may set up sub-offices or representative offices at other places within Pakistan, as it may deem appropriate.
Dr Ramesh Vankwani, in the statement of objects and reasons, took the stance that under Article 40 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the State shall foster goodwill and friendly relations among all nations as well as to support the common interests of the peoples, including Asia. He also quoted Quaid-e-Azam as “Our foreign policy is one of friendliness.
