Latest news with #Gandhara
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Commerce minister meets senior Japanese priest
OSAKA, Japan: During his official visit to Expo 2025 Osaka, the Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, led a series of high-level engagements to promote Pakistan's trade, investment, tourism, and cultural diplomacy. During the visit, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan also held a significant meeting with the 79th Head Priest of Sh goin Monzeki, who also serves as Secretary-General of the Kyoto Buddhist Association. The meeting focused on fostering religious tourism, interfaith understanding, and deeper cultural ties between Pakistan and Japan. As part of the conversation, Pakistan's rich spiritual landscape and its ancient Buddhist heritage, including sites linked to the Gandhara civilization, were highlighted as meaningful opportunities for future pilgrimages and cultural exchange. The priest expressed deep interest and support. He pledged to visit Pakistan with a delegation and committed to encouraging other Buddhist centers across Japan to consider pilgrimage and cultural visits to Pakistan's Gandhara sites. Such dialogues reflect Pakistan's broader vision at Expo 2025 Osaka: to build bridges through shared history, mutual respect, and timeless traditions. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
18-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Urdu, Bangla varsity chairs urged
Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan has stressed the need of setting up Urdu language chairs in Bangladeshi universities and Bangla chairs in Pakistan for better understanding among the countries. Speaking to a 10-member media delegation from Bangladesh that called on him, the governor expressed hope that new vistas of cooperation would open under the interim government in Bangladesh. The delegation invited Governor Saleem Haider to visit Bangladesh. The Bangladeshi journalists also visited the National College of Arts (NCA) and Lahore Museum. NCA Vice Chancellor Dr Murtaza Jafri discussed with the delegation cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Lahore Museum Deputy Director Asim Rizwan briefed the journalists on the collections, particularly those representing the Gandhara and Indus Valley civilisations, Harappa and Mohenjo Daro. The visitors were taken on a tour of the Gandhara, Jain Temple, Contemporary Paintings, Prehistoric and Industrial, and the Muslim Art and Heritage galleries. They observed rare bronze artifacts from Harappa and Mohenjo Daro, weights and bullock carts from ancient settlements and seals from the Indus Valley civilisation. The delegation had earlier spent four days in Islamabad.
Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- General
- Express Tribune
Lahore Museum to receive $8 million upgrade under UNESCO Master Plan
Listen to article The historic Lahore Museum is set to undergo a major upgradation project with an estimated cost of $8 million. Under UNESCO's master plan, the museum will be restored to its 1929 form. A digitalization study has already been completed, and the five-year restoration project aims to align the museum with both national and local cultural heritage. Located on Mall Road, Lahore, the museum was established in 1894 and is regarded as one of South Asia's largest museums. It houses nearly 60,000 artifacts from the Gandhara, Mughal, Sikh, and British eras, including rare sculptures, coins from various periods, woodwork, paintings, and artifacts from Mughal, Sikh, and British rule. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed the provincial cabinet to approve the upgradation plan. Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb stated that the Lahore Museum will be upgraded according to UNESCO's master plan, emphasizing its significance as a representation of the nation's history, culture, and heritage. She added that the museum will be modernized to meet contemporary standards and become a hub for both local and international tourists. This initiative is expected to be a milestone in cultural development and economic stability. The upgradation plan includes making the museum's roof waterproof, improving dampness and drainage capacity, and upgrading its internal environment, lighting, electrical system, fire safety, and security to modern standards. The project also involves the introduction of modern museography, new gallery designs, enhanced visitor services, and showcasing every artifact according to its historical and cultural significance. Lahore Museum authorities have developed short- and long-term strategies for the restoration. The building will be restored to its original form, and during the process, the museum will remain closed to visitors. Its 60,000 artifacts will be temporarily relocated to another location. Sources revealed that technical assistance for the upgradation project will be provided by the Aga Khan Cultural Service Pakistan and international experts. The Aga Khan Cultural Service has previously assisted in the restoration of several historical sites in Pakistan. Former Punjab Archaeology Director Afzal Khan welcomed the project, emphasizing its importance in modernizing the museum with advanced technologies and systems. He noted that improvements in lighting and display systems will enhance visitors' experience and increase their interest, ultimately boosting tourism. He added that if the project is implemented according to the master plan's guidelines, it would be a significant achievement and greatly benefit future generations.
Express Tribune
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Festival breathes life into centuries-old culture
ISLAMABAD: The Gandhara Cultural Festival brought Pakistan's ancient heritage to life, celebrating the legacy of the Gandhara civilisation while promoting eco-tourism. The festival featured a grand exhibition of Gandhara artefacts, including sculptures, coins, pottery, paintings, and photography exhibits. Visitors explored the artistic and historical significance of Gandhara's rich legacy, gaining insight into its cultural and historical impact. The event, followed by the grand launch of the project "Promoting Gandhara's Civilisation and Heritage for Eco-Tourism," marked a significant step in preserving Pakistan's historical treasures and boosting tourism. One of the main attractions was a Hindu community corner, where visitors were captivated by devotional bhajans performed with traditional musical instruments, symbolising interfaith harmony. The event was organised by Kurrum Welfare Houses and the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), in collaboration with the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP), and at PNCA on Wednesday. Parliamentary Secretary, Farah Naz Akbar inaugurated the festival, commending the initiative for its role in promoting cultural tourism and unity among diverse communities. "It is heartening to see that stalls from seven different cultural communities are part of this festival, showcasing Pakistan's rich and diverse heritage," she remarked. She also highlighted the government's "Uraan Pakistan" initiative under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which aims to drive national progress through cultural and economic growth. PPAF CEO, Nadir Gul, emphasised the organisation's commitment to poverty alleviation across 150 districts, providing livelihood opportunities to people of all backgrounds. He highlighted PPAF's initiatives in Chitral and Balochistan, focusing on education, health, and cultural preservation. PTDC Managing Director, Rana Aftab, underlined the global significance of Gandhara heritage in Peshawar, Swat, and Taxila Valley. He noted that over 500 million Buddhists worldwide consider this region sacred, making it a prime destination for religious tourism.
