Federal, provinces principally agree to hold Gandhara Conference in Pakistan in 2026

ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): The federal and provincial governments on Wednesday principally agreed to move ahead with preparations for holding an International Gandhara Conference in Pakistan in 2026, with a focus on showcasing the country’s rich Buddhist heritage and strengthening cultural ties with Buddhist-majority countries.

The decision came at a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi to review arrangements and opportunities for holding the conference, proposed on the directions of the Prime Minister.

The meeting also agreed that the proposal would be submitted to the government for approval, keeping in view the ongoing austerity campaign. Further consultations among federal and provincial stakeholders would follow to finalise the arrangements.

The minister directed that a comprehensive plan be prepared ahead of the conference identifying Buddhist heritage sites and other important places to be visited by international participants and tourists, enabling the relevant authorities to make necessary arrangements well in advance.

He asked Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Gandhara Task Force Imran Shokat to consult the governments of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in this regard.

The participants proposed developing and presenting Buddhist heritage sites on the pattern of established religious heritage destinations, with improved preservation, visitor facilities and interpretation to attract international pilgrims and tourists.

Managing Director Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Aftab Rana described the conference as a multi-stakeholder initiative and called for the involvement and suggestions of all relevant institutions.

He also proposed exploring direct air links between Pakistan and Buddhist-majority countries to facilitate international visitors, noting that many travellers currently rely on connecting flights through Middle Eastern countries.

He said Pakistan already maintained broader ties with these countries through educational and student exchange programmes, while direct air links could further promote people-to-people contacts.

The Federal Minister expressed support for exploring direct flights between Pakistan and relevant Buddhist countries.

Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gillani said the Ministry would consult all relevant stakeholders and institutions to ensure coordinated arrangements for the conference.

Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said the conference could also provide an opportunity to organise a range of cultural and heritage-related activities alongside the main event, contributing to economic activity and revenue generation.

He said several Buddhist countries had expressed interest in visa-on-arrival facilities and stressed the important role of the Ministry of Interior in this regard. He added that he had already written to the Ministries of Interior and Foreign Affairs on the matter.

The minister also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative to obtain relevant information and support from Pakistani diplomatic missions in Buddhist countries.

He emphasised the need to provide modern facilities for international visitors, including suitable accommodation and food arrangements, as well as digital and 3D experiences at historical sites.

Imran Shokat said he was in contact with the ambassadors of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam and Nepal regarding the conference and related arrangements.

Provincial representatives welcomed the federal government’s decision to hold the conference and assured full cooperation and support for its successful organisation.

The participants observed that the conference could provide an opportunity to project Pakistan’s cultural heritage internationally and strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties with Buddhist countries. They also proposed cultural programmes and other activities alongside the conference to offer international visitors and Buddhist monks a broader experience of Pakistan’s diverse heritage.

The meeting also discussed arrangements for visits by Buddhist monks and other conference participants to major Buddhist heritage sites, including Taxila and Swat.

Imran Shokat said consultations would also be held with Buddhist monks regarding their proposed visits, adding that a large number of monks were expected to participate in the conference.

The meeting was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Gandhara Task Force Imran Shokat, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gillani, Managing Director PTDC Aftab Rana, and senior officials from provincial archaeology and tourism departments, the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.