A delegation of esteemed Buddhist leaders called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad today. The delegation is visiting Pakistan to attend a symposium and an exhibition titled “From Gandhara to the World,” organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The delegation included Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Honorable ViduraWikramanayaka, Most Venerable ThichDuc Tuan from Vietnam, Most Venerable Anil Sakya from Thailand and DrKeshabmanShakya from Nepal.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the delegation. He expressed his gratitude for their participation in the Symposium, being held in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’ that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and passing away of Lord Buddha.
The Prime Minister highlighted that Pakistan was proud of its ancient Buddhist heritage, which flourished in the northwest Pakistan in the shape of Gandhara art and culture, over two thousand years ago. He underscored the importance that his government attached to interfaith harmony. He also acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Buddhist scholars and monks to the promotion of interfaith harmony and understanding.
