KARACHI: Humankind has always needed to build knowledge and civilization bridges among itself. Because those bridges are the ones that magnify the human commons in order to achieve benefit and good for all humanity. Islam urges acquaintance and cooperation between nations and peoples. Ambassador at Large for Global Peace, Human Rights & Interfaith Harmony Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui Chairman of Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) said In this inescapable era of information and technology where the whole world has become a global village, Pakistan outshines in many ways and holds a repository of ancient civilization and cultural heritage, Pakistan is an important country in South Asia, rich in cultural heritage, and the center of Indus and Gandhara Civilisations. Pakistanis were custodians of Buddhist heritage.
Ambassador Imam Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said we welcome the Buddhist monks in the country, the participation of Senior monks and foreign Buddhist delegations from various countries including Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and China in the International Gandhara Symposium 2023 conference shows the religious tolerance for other faiths in Pakistan. The Gandhara Symposium to promote tolerance and interfaith harmony and to revive the heritage of Buddhism and Gandhara civilization was held in Islamabad. The conference is a link to bring Pakistan closer to Buddhist-majority countries.
In a statement, Ambassador at Large for Global Peace, Human Rights & Interfaith Harmony Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan Siddiqui Chairman of Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) said Pakistan was a country rich in cultural heritage sites of different religions. The Gandhara civilization, which thrived in Pakistan centuries ago, could serve as an informative place for visitors from across the globe to explore exquisite Buddhist sites. Pakistan’s architectural beauty is attracting tourism across the world. Pakistan is a peaceful and safe country for foreigners and invited world tourists to visit the beautiful country. Pakistan is a safe country and urged international tourists to come here and visit its beautiful recreational and heritage sites. He said that we need the spiritual nature of religions and human values. Practicing cherished principles of Islam which called upon everyone to practice one’s own religion without interfering in other religions. All the religions of the world preached peace, harmony, and security in society but unfortunately, followers of different religions forget and neglect these teachings.
Imam Allama Muhammad Ahsan said that practicing such Islamic principles ensures political, social, cultural, legal, and religious freedoms for the followers of all religions, respecting and protecting their places of worship and allowing followers of all religions to pray in their worship places, all religions preach peace and we have to promote this message in order to bring cohesion and harmony in our societies. He said that the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) has deep beliefs in the values of love, tolerance, and humanity and efforts to attain peace, security, stability, and understanding between different peoples and cultures.
Chairman of Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) Allama Ahsan said that Gandhara Symposium 2023 reflects upon multicultural Pakistan, home of several religions since 3000 BC. Famous World Heritage Site, Takhti Bahi Mardan, Julian, Taxila, etc. remind us of our glorious past and equitable future. Ambassador Allama Ahsan Siddiqui expressed appreciation for the Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Army, Chairman of Prime Minister Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani and Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad efforts in organizing the International Gandhara Conference on the theme of revival of Gandhara civilization and Buddhist heritage are commendable. He said that distinguished delegates hailed that all religions in Pakistan are free in their worship, Pakistan showcases its rich cultural diversity and religious tourism, fostering peace and harmony. Pakistan has a peaceful abode for minorities and commended efforts for their protection. He said that hoping that their presence would relay a message of peace and cross-cultural harmony. Gandhara Symposium will to Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy efforts and help promote tourism, particularly faith tourism, in Pakistan.
The Chairman ICPH said that Pakistan had been a flag-bearer of love, tolerance, and hospitality, and had fought against terrorism and religious extremism. The minorities were enjoying equal rights and complete freedom in the country and playing a role in the development of the country. He said that different religious communities needed to come together and hold a dialogue on the commonalities among them instead of promoting hatred and differences. He emphasized that the religious sentiments of followers of all religions need to be respected and safeguarded and no one should be allowed to hurt and insult the religious sentiments of the followers of other religions in the garb of freedom of expression. Religious sites are not only visited by pilgrims but also visited by non-religious tourists since they have cultural, historical, and religious significance. He said that religious tourism can contribute enormously to amplifying Pakistan’s economy by projecting the Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh sites existing in the country.
Global Peace Ambassador, Human Rights & Interfaith Harmony said the Revitalization of Buddhist tourism is in the best interests of Pakistan, he said adding when tourism flourishes, and poverty graph comes down. He said that it was our moral responsibility to work individually and collectively for the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage and sites of religious significance to maintain their identity. He said that the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) remains committed to this cause, working tirelessly to foster interfaith and intercultural harmony in line with the UN’s core values and principles.
He said that the Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) promotes cultural activities, religious harmony, religious freedom, and religious tourism in Pakistan and creates a suitable and safe environment for other religious followers and efforts to raise awareness about the inclusive and multicultural nature of Gandhara civilization. He said that Interfaith Commission for Peace & Harmony (ICPH) has high hopes for the Gandhara international conference will deepen support of interfaith dialogue, coexistence, cultural diplomacy, and religious tourism, emphasize the importance of joint cooperation, exchange of opinion, building bridges, cooperation between different cultures, achieve peace and the sublime values of humanity.
The International Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan Co-Chair Ambassador Allama Ahsan Siddiqui said that let’s continue to provide a safe space for meaningful dialogue and to build bridges of understanding instead of walls of division. Let’s celebrate and appreciate the beauty and historical importance of these remarkable sites.
