Pakistan establishes task force to promote Gandhara Buddhist tourism

Pakistan is working to transform its ancient Gandhara heritage into a major global destination for Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. To achieve this, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has established the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara under the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture.

Chaired by Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and coordinated by Imran Shauket, the task force aims to unlock the cultural, religious, and economic potential of the Gandhara civilization. Key focus areas include infrastructure development, easier visa processes, freedom of movement, and community involvement.

The initiative seeks to present the civilization to millions of Buddhists worldwide. Shauket noted that Gandhara holds spiritual significance for Buddhists comparable to Mecca and Medina for Muslims. The task force is designed to coordinate and facilitate efforts between federal ministries and provincial departments, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while respecting provincial jurisdiction over archaeology and tourism.