ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Wednesday highlighted Buddhism’s message of peace and harmony amid rising global conflicts while referring to its own historical connection to the faith through the ancient Gandhara civilization, saying the Buddhist legacy helped shape the country’s pluralistic and progressive outlook.
Speaking at a commemoration in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Buddha’s teachings had gained renewed relevance at a time when the world was facing conflict and spiritual disquiet.
The remarks came during the International Day of Vesak, observed by Buddhists worldwide to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of the founder of their faith. Pakistan is home to several major sites linked to the ancient Buddhist Gandhara civilization, including
Taxila, Swat and Takht-e-Bahi, which attract Buddhist pilgrims and visitors from across South and East Asia.
“Buddhism’s connection with Pakistan is celebrated and enduring,” Ahmad said. “It was in the ancient land of Gandhara in Pakistan, where Buddhism was reinvigorated.”
“The legacy of Buddhist Gandhara is woven into Pakistan’s socio-cultural fabric and has fashioned its pluralistic and progressive outlook, something that has motivated our advocacy for interfaith harmony and co-existence,” he added.
Ahmad noted during his speech the Gandhara civilization flourished from the 1st century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. and established Pakistan’s historical linkages with Buddhist countries through its art, culture and religious scholarship.
He said Buddhist monks and visitors from across the region continued to travel to Pakistan’s ancient seminaries and archaeological sites throughout the year, strengthening cultural and spiritual ties.
“At a time when the international landscape is torn by conflict and strife, when the individual soul is grappling with a spiritual void, the importance of Buddha’s message has increased manifold,” he said.
Ahmad also referred to Buddhism as a “shared heritage,” adding that his country would continue to work with the international community to promote the universal message of Buddha for international peace, harmony and tranquility.
