ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader and former Punjab chief minister Hamza Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday inaugurated the conservation and restoration project of the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves in Islamabad.
The project has been described as an important step towards the preservation and promotion of Pakistan’s historic Buddhist heritage and shared cultural history.
After the inauguration, Hamza Shehbaz visited the historic caves, where National Heritage and Culture Division Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani gave him a detailed briefing on the completion of the project, its salient features and overall cost.
The historical and religious significance of the caves was highlighted on the occasion. The site was described as an important evidence of the ancient presence of followers of Buddhism and their religious practices in the region. A documentary on the historical background and archaeological importance of the Shah Allah Ditta Caves was also screened during the ceremony.
Addressing the ceremony, Hamza Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for the conservation and restoration of the historic site. He said it was a matter of happiness for him to be present at the historic place surrounded by green trees and beautiful hills.
He said Islam taught respect for other religions, protection of the rights of minorities and safeguarding of their places of worship. He added that such initiatives would not only project Pakistan’s positive and bright image at the international level but would also introduce the country’s cultural heritage to the world.
Hamza Shehbaz said the restoration of the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves would help turn the site into an attractive historical and cultural destination for local and foreign tourists.
He emphasised the need for a better and direct road to the caves and requested Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi to take up the matter with the relevant authorities and initiate steps for the construction of improved road access.
He said better travel facilities would increase tourist arrivals, create employment opportunities for the local population and promote economic activity in the area. He added that citizens should have recreational places where families could enjoy Pakistan’s historical and natural beauty.
Hamza Shehbaz invited diplomats, particularly people from Buddhist-majority and Buddhist-follower countries, to visit the historic site with their families. He expressed the hope that the place would become a symbol of mutual respect, religious harmony and shared cultural heritage. He also prayed for Pakistan’s development, prosperity and peace.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi thanked Hamza Shehbaz for inaugurating the project and said the government was committed to the preservation and restoration of Pakistan’s historic Buddhist heritage.
He urged the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and the media to play their role in highlighting the historical and religious significance of the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves and attracting local and foreign tourists, especially visitors from Buddhist-follower countries, to the site.
The federal minister assured diplomats that under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, the government was committed to the conservation and restoration of all historic Buddhist sites across Pakistan.
He said such projects would play an important role in promoting cultural diplomacy, strengthening interfaith harmony and further improving Pakistan’s positive image globally.
Federal Minister Rana Mubashir, Member of the National Assembly Anjum Aqeel Khan, former deputy mayor of Islamabad Syed Zeeshan Shah, SAPM Aon Chaudhry, SAPM Talha Burki, senior government officials, diplomats from Buddhist-follower countries and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony.
At the end of the ceremony, former deputy mayor of Islamabad Syed Zeeshan Shah presented a commemorative shield to Hamza Shehbaz Sharif.
