Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi attended International Vesak Day 2026 at the Taxila Museum as Chief Guest and reiterated Pakistan’s pledge to preserve and promote its Buddhist and Gandhara heritage. The event, held under the theme A Confluence of Faith, Culture, and Shared Heritage, brought together diplomats, venerable monks, scholars, and visitors from Buddhist countries including Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Organised in cooperation with the Government of Punjab and the Embassies of Nepal, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Sri Lanka, the ceremony showcased documentaries on the history of Buddhism, recent archaeological discoveries, artifact restoration and museum preservation across Pakistan. A documentary on Lumbini presented by the Embassy of Nepal drew particular praise from attendees.
Mr Khichi said Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvana of Gautama Buddha, and he underlined values of peace, compassion, tolerance and wisdom that the occasion represents. He emphasised that Taxila and the broader Gandhara region occupy a revered place in Buddhist history and stand as enduring symbols of cultural dialogue and spiritual heritage.
The minister recalled that under Emperor Ashoka Buddhism flourished in the region, giving rise to monasteries, stupas and centres of learning and to the internationally admired Gandhara art tradition. He reiterated that Pakistan, as heir to this legacy, remains committed to conservation, improved site management and sustainable cultural tourism to facilitate pilgrims and international visitors.
Khichi acknowledged the support of international scholars, institutions and development partners in the research and conservation of Buddhist sites, and commended Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Senior Minister for Cultural Affairs Marriyum Aurangzeb for their efforts to protect the centuries-old Gandhara civilisation. He also thanked the Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department Punjab for organising the event and recognised coordination by Advisor Syed Usman Tahir.
Most Venerable Anil Sakiya of Thailand hailed the gathering as a landmark celebration of Buddhist history and applauded Pakistan’s preservation efforts. Most Venerable Thebo of Sri Lanka praised the teachings of Buddhism and Pakistan’s hospitality, and called for continued cultural exchanges to strengthen ties with Buddhist nations. Imran Shaukat, Ambassador for the Promotion of Gandhara Heritage, spoke about Pakistan’s strategy to uplift Gandhara civilisation and safeguard artifacts for future generations.
Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted concrete steps being taken under Punjab leadership to conserve heritage sites linked to Gandhara while safeguarding minority rights. The Sri Lankan Ambassador described the occasion as a reminder of the importance of international cultural collaboration and world peace.
Earlier in the day the federal minister and visiting ambassadors planted saplings in the museum grounds as a gesture of shared stewardship. At the close of the ceremony Mr Khichi presented souvenirs to the Ambassador of Japan, other envoys, venerable monks and representatives from participating countries and institutions, and the gathering ended with a renewed commitment to cultural diplomacy, interfaith harmony and the global promotion of Gandhara heritage.
