Foreign delegation visits KP, Taxila heritage sites, pledges cooperation on heritage diplomacy

RAWALPINDI, Nov 03 (APP): An international delegation visited key historical sites in the Taxila region on Tuesday, including the ancient Jandial Temple and the Buddhist caves at Mohra Muradu, and reaffirmed its commitment to long-term cooperation to promote cultural heritage, research and heritage diplomacy.

At Jandial Temple, officials of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums briefed the delegates on the site’s architectural heritage and its significance within the wider Gandhara civilisation. The delegation then proceeded to the Buddhist caves at Mohra Muradu.

The delegates praised efforts to engage the local community, led by the Gandhara Taxila Centre for Development (GTCD) together with Gandhara Odyssey (GO). They said they were committed to sustaining productive cooperation at the diplomatic level in the fields of cultural heritage, research and heritage diplomacy.

Earlier, on Nov 2, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Islamabad visited Taxila’s heritage sites, including Taxila Museum, Sirkap and Gandhara Art Village (GAV).

The visit was led by GTCD and Gandhara Odyssey in collaboration with the Directorate of Archaeology, Government of Punjab, and the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC).

Staff of Taxila Museum and the Directorate of Archaeology briefed the delegates on the historical significance, archaeological discoveries and cultural heritage of Taxila at the museum and at Sirkap. At Gandhara Art Village, staff introduced the delegates to Gandharan art, traditional craftsmanship and ongoing initiatives to promote cultural heritage and sustainable livelihoods.