MARDAN: A delegation of foreigners including diplomats from China, Thailand, Nepal and Indonesia visited archaeological sites in Takht Bhai here on Wednesday.

The minister of state and chairman of Prime Minister Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Dr Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, led the delegation. The members of the delegation were also accompanied by relevant Pakistani officials and nationals.

Talking to journalists on the occasion, Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan Chakkrid Krachaiwong said that he was excited to visit the Buddhist sites.

He said that being a follower of Buddhism, it was a good experience for him to visit the religious sites. He urged the followers of Buddhism to visit the religious and archaeological sites.

The members of the delegation visited different sites in Takht Bhai and several of them performed their religious rituals.

Talking to journalists, Dr Ramesh Kumar said that government was taking measures to promote archaeological tourism as it would present a positive image of Pakistan around the world.

He said that Gandhara relics in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 2,000-years old. He said that most of the Buddhist sites were located in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He added that Gandhara civilisation and Takht Bhai sites were included in the Unesco heritage in 1980.

Published in Dawn, June 8th, 2023

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.