LAHORE, April 2: Korea’s chief Buddhist monk Jeon Woon Deok has said that through holding cultural events Pakistan’s image can be improved in the world. At a press conference here on Sunday at the conclusion of his visit to Pakistan during which he toured Swat, Taxila and other significant places in connection with Gandhara civilisation, he said the foreigners were scared of visiting Pakistan and making investment here because of the country’s image of a terrorism hub. But, he said, a visit was enough to dispel the wrong impression.

He said it was his third visit to Pakistan, and he was impressed by the warmth and friendliness of its people. He felt at home in Pakistan and wanted to visit it every year, he added.

He said delegations from China, Korea and Japan would visit Pakistan in October-November this year. Gandhara art and cultural association had been formed in Korea and would be soon extended to other countries as well, he added.

He said Buddhism had spread to China, Korea, Japan and Thailand from the parts of the region now known as Pakistan and India.

He said he was impressed by the work done by the present government in connection with excavation and restoration of Buddhist remains dating back to Gandhara civilisation.

He said followers of the Buddhism wanted peace among religions as they had a staunch belief in non-violence and were opposed to killing even animals.