Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to preserving its Buddhist legacy while addressing the International Vesak Day 2026 gathering at the historic Taxila Museum. The event brought together diplomats, venerable monks and scholars from countries including Thailand and Sri Lanka and highlighted Pakistan’s role as custodian of the Gandhara Heritage.
The ceremony included documentary screenings on the history of Buddhism, archaeological discoveries and the restoration of artifacts in Pakistani museums. A documentary on Lumbini presented by the Embassy of Nepal received wide appreciation from attendees and underscored the transnational connections of Buddhist cultural sites.
The minister spoke about Vesak as a commemoration of the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha and emphasized timeless values of peace, compassion and tolerance. He noted Taxila and the broader Gandhara region as pillars of Buddhist learning and artistic achievement, tracing the tradition back to the patronage of Emperor Ashoka and the centuries of monastic and artistic activity that produced Gandhara Art.
Mr Khichi outlined concrete steps to protect and promote Gandhara Heritage through strengthened conservation practices, improved site management and the promotion of sustainable cultural tourism to welcome pilgrims and international visitors. He also acknowledged the important role of international scholars, institutions and development partners in ongoing research and conservation projects.
The minister praised the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister for Cultural Affairs Marriyum Aurangzeb for their dedication to preserving the Gandhara Civilization. He thanked the Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department Punjab for organizing the event and recognized the coordination efforts of Syed Usman Tahir, Advisor to the Federal Minister.
Most Venerable Anil Sakiya of Thailand described the event as a landmark celebration of Buddhist history and commended Pakistan’s preservation work. Most Venerable Thebo of Sri Lanka highlighted the peaceful teachings of Buddhism and praised the hospitality extended by the people of Pakistan, encouraging continued cultural exchange and events that strengthen ties with Buddhist nations.
Imran Shaukat, Ambassador for the Promotion of Gandhara Heritage, reiterated Pakistan’s strategy to uplift the Gandhara Civilization and safeguard Buddhist artifacts for future generations. Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora said provincial leadership is taking concrete steps to conserve heritage sites linked to Gandhara while protecting minority rights.
Earlier during the visit Federal Minister Khichi and attending ambassadors planted saplings in the museum grounds as a gesture of shared stewardship. The ceremony concluded with Mr Khichi presenting souvenirs to the Ambassador of Japan and other dignitaries, reaffirming a collective commitment to cultural diplomacy, interfaith harmony and the global promotion of Pakistan’s invaluable Gandhara Heritage.
