ISLAMABAD: Former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves Preservation Project in Islamabad to preserve and promote Pakistan’s rich Buddhist heritage and shared cultural history.

The centuries-old caves have been preserved by the National Heritage and Culture Division.

Following the inauguration, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif visited the historic caves, where Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani briefed him on the completion of the preservation project, its key features and overall cost.

The visit provided an opportunity to highlight the historical significance of the caves, which bear testimony to the presence and religious practices of Buddhist communities in the region.

A documentary highlighting the historical background and archaeological significance of the Shah Allah Ditta Caves was also screened during the inauguration ceremony, showcasing their association with Buddhist worship and the area’s rich cultural legacy.

Addressing the ceremony, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for its concerted efforts to preserve and restore the historic site. He said it was a pleasure to be present at the beautiful location, surrounded by lush green trees and magnificent mountains, and commended the initiative for safeguarding an important part of Pakistan’s shared heritage.

He emphasised that Islam teaches respect for other religions, protection of minority rights and safeguarding their places of worship. He observed that the initiative would project Pakistan’s positive and soft image internationally while transforming the site into an attractive destination for visitors, enabling them to explore and appreciate the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Hamza Shehbaz also stressed the need for improved road connectivity to the caves, requesting Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi to take up the matter with the relevant authorities and pursue the construction of a better and more direct access road. He said improved connectivity would facilitate visitors, promote local tourism and generate employment and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

Appreciating the emerging commercial activity in the area, he said people deserved recreational spaces where families could spend quality time while enjoying Pakistan’s historical and natural beauty.

He further welcomed diplomats and visitors, particularly those from Buddhist countries, to visit the historic site with their families, expressing hope that it would serve as a symbol of mutual respect, religious harmony and shared heritage. He also prayed for Pakistan’s continued progress, prosperity and peace.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi thanked Hamza Shehbaz Sharif for inaugurating the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves Preservation Project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s historic Buddhist heritage.

The minister urged the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and the media to play their role in creating awareness about the historical and religious significance of the caves and promoting the site among domestic and international visitors, particularly those from Buddhist countries.

Reassuring the participating diplomats, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government was committed to preserving and protecting all Buddhist heritage sites across Pakistan. He said such initiatives would strengthen cultural diplomacy, promote interfaith harmony and further enhance Pakistan’s positive image internationally.

The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister Rana Mubashar, Member of the National Assembly Anjam Aqeel Khan, former Islamabad deputy mayor Syed Zeeshan Shah, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Aon Chaudhary, SAPM Talha Barki, senior government officials, diplomats from Buddhist countries and other guests.

Published in Dawn, November 5th, 2026