Buddhist monks from different countries visit Taxila museum, stupa

TAXILA: Buddhist monks belonging to Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Nepal, South Korea and Sri Lanka, who are in Islamabad to participate in the International Gandhara Symposium, visited Taxila Museum and Dharmarajika Stupa today.

During their visit, they witnessed some of the oldest historical archaeological artefacts displayed in the museum. They lauded the efforts of the Pakistani government and authorities of Taxila Museum for preserving the history of Ghandhara civilization.

Later, during their visit to Dharmarajika Stupa near Taxila they also offered prayer there for stability and prosperity of Pakistan.

Talking to Radio Pakistan’s correspondent Haider Baloch, a monk Dr. Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thero from Sri Lanka said that people can come to Pakistan to visit preserved places of ancient civilization. He said it is his second visit to Pakistan.

Another monk from Myanmar said there are a lot of interesting ancient Buddhist artifects in Taxila Museum. He said Pakistan has a number of religious archaeological sites which are worth visiting.

Later talking to media at Dharmarajika Stupa, Chairman Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani said visit of monks belonging to different countries of the world will encourage other people to visit Pakistan as well.

He said a draft of a declaration to preserve and excavate Gandhara civilization’s archaeological sites in Pakistan has also been shared with the visiting monks to proceed further in this regard.