BUDDHISM has a rich and significant history in the region now known as Pakistan. During the 3rd century BCE, the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, an eminent patron of Buddhism, played a vital role in spreading Buddhist teachings across the subcontinent, including the Gandhara region. Pakistan is the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism, the largest Buddhist sect today, with significant number of disciples in countries such as Tibet, Japan, China, Mongolia, Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Bangladesh and others.
In the post-World War-II era, many East Asian nations, including South Korea and Japan, began to reinvent their selves with their Buddhist past. Currently, 97% of the world Buddhist population resides in Asia. Our brotherly neighbour China also promotes Buddhism as a key element of its cultural diplomacy, preserving the largest Buddhist population in the world.
Subcontinent’s history is enriched with ancient Buddhist civilizations and offers many historical and cultural sites that reflect its rich Buddhist heritage. Many important sites are happen to be in Pakistan, including Taxila, which was a pertinent centre of learning for Buddhists, and the Gandhara region, famous for its distinctive art and architecture. Another key site is the monastic complex of Takht-i-Bahi. These sites, along with many stupas, monasteries, and artefacts, attract historians, archaeologists, and spiritual leaders from all over the world, providing a compelling glimpse into the region’s deep Buddhist history. Currently, Pakistan is home to a total of 6 World Heritage Sites. The archaeological complex of Taxila and Buddhist ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol are part of World Heritage Sites.
To enhance the international focus on this rich heritage, the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) is organizing a one day international conference title “Celebrating Pakistan’s Ancient Archaeological and Civilizational Heritage” on 30 September 2024 with a special focus on development of sustainable tourism. Pakistan has started a path towards cultural and religious tourism and sites like Gandhara and other could play a vital role in promoting such ideas. However, there is a need to bring friendly religious tourism policies towards such initiatives.
Pakistani hospitality is widely recognized for its generosity warmth, and friendliness toward guests, rooted deeply in cultural traditions. This emphasis on hospitality reflects the country’s social and cultural values and gives a solid foundation for the government to develop religious tourism routes and cross-country pilgrimage activities. To strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with many Asian countries, Pakistan could promote Buddhist cultural and religious tourism in the country. By organizing interfaith conferences and Buddhist festivals in collaborating with neighbouring countries, Pakistan may strengthen bonds and promote regional peace and cooperation.
National heritage and cultural division can encourage investment from many Asian Buddhist states for the restoration and preservation of important Buddhist sites such as Taxila, the ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and the Buddhist monastic complex in Swat Valley. To enhance Buddhist tourism in the region, Infrastructure should be enhanced around the key sites, including better roads, sign boards, visitor centres, and better accommodations for international visitors.
—The writer is Research Assistant, Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad.
