ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that his government was currently working on creating a Holy Buddhist Trail, which will include the most revered Buddhist heritage sites in Pakistan.
“Our plan is to build state of the art logistical facilities along the trail to facilitate Buddhist pilgrims from across the world”, he added, while speaking to an 11-member delegation of prominent Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka.
He welcomed the delegation, visiting Pakistan on the Government’s invitation, and underscored the importance of enhancing people-to-people contacts and strengthening interfaith harmony.
Highlighting the glorious Gandhara heritage of the country, the prime minister said that Pakistan was a proud custodian of some of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world and offered a great religious tourism opportunity for tourists from across the world, especially Sri Lanka. He said that Pakistan was a land of unparalleled natural beauty and historical and cultural sites.
The monks appreciated the government’s initiative to develop Holy Buddhist Trail as well as the renovation work being done on various archaeological and religious sites. They said that Pakistan was ready for large-scale tourism and religious pilgrimage from across the world.
The Sri Lankan delegation recalled and appreciated Pakistan’s long-standing friendly relationship, cooperation and solidarity with Sri Lanka. They thanked the government of Pakistan for organizing the trip.
The prime minister wished the delegation a pleasant stay in Pakistan and encouraged them to share their experiences about the country’s unique hospitality, natural beauty and its Buddhist heritage, motivating others to undertake tours to the country.
