THE revival of Buddhist chants at the ancient Dharmarajika Stupa in Taxila after nearly 1,500 years is much more than a ceremonial milestone. It is a reminder that there are places in Pakistan which carry the memory of some of the world’s oldest civilisations and faith traditions. At a time when global tensions and conflict dominate headlines, the echoes of the Dhamma sermon from Taxila this month offered a powerful message of coexistence and historical continuity. The significance of the moment cannot be overstated. Taxila was once among the greatest centres of learning in the ancient world and a vital crossroads of the Gandhara civilisation. The presence of Buddhist monks and diplomats from Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam and Myanmar demonstrated that this shared heritage still resonates deeply across Asia. Their participation also highlighted an often overlooked reality that Pakistan possesses immense untapped potential as a destination for religious and cultural tourism. For too long, successive governments have failed to fully capitalise on their Buddhist heritage. Sites linked to Emperor Ashoka, the Gandhara civilisation and the spread of Buddhism attract scholarly and spiritual interest. Yet poor infrastructure, limited promotion, visa hurdles and inadequate visitor facilities discourage large-scale tourism. The concerns raised by foreign delegates regarding services and infrastructure should be treated seriously.

The government’s stated commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage is welcome, but preservation alone is not enough. Pakistan must adopt a broader vision that treats religious tourism as both a cultural responsibility and an economic opportunity. Easier visas, improved connectivity and international partnerships can transform Taxila and other heritage sites into thriving centres of intercultural exchange. More importantly, opening the country to religious tourism would project a more confident global image of the country. The scenes at Dharmarajika Stupa showed what Pakistan can be a meeting place of faith histories and people united by a shared heritage.

Published in Dawn, May 12th, 2026