The opening programme at the Taxila Museum began with the national anthem of Pakistan. This was followed by three documentary screenings: “Taxila – A Living Heritage City”, introducing Punjab’s multi-billion-dollar heritage development plan, including a Buddhist gateway, Ashoka–Siddhartha galleries, and a green tram route linking archaeological sites; “The Gandhara Journey”, taking audiences along the heritage corridor from Taxila to Peshawar, Swat, and Chitral; and a film on Lumbini (Nepal), the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha in 623 BC.
Speaking at the event, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, affirmed that Pakistan takes great pride in preserving the invaluable Buddhist heritage of humanity, stretching from Taxila to Peshawar, Swat, and Chitral. He emphasised that people-to-people exchanges, especially through spiritual tourism, are considered a key pillar of the country’s diplomacy.
Punjab’s Minister for Human Rights Ramesh Singh Arora, representing the Sikh community at the Buddhist event, delivered a message that in Taxila, a Sikh stood alongside Buddhist monks and Muslim and Catholic diplomats — all united by a shared message of peace and mutual respect. This was the Punjab that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is building — tolerant, harmonious, and proud of humanity’s shared heritage.
The spiritual highlight of the event took place at the Dhammarajika Stupa — a monument built by Emperor Ashoka to enshrine relics of the Buddha. Senior monks from Sri Lanka and Thailand led participants in a flower-offering ceremony in accordance with Theravada traditions, followed by a threefold circumambulation of the stupa.
The sight of monks and diplomatic representatives from five nations solemnly circling the ancient stupa created a deeply moving moment of cultural convergence. This was followed by the ringing of the Peace Bell, the release of white doves and tree planting within the museum grounds — three symbolic acts conveying Pakistan’s message of peace, commitment against extremism, and respect for all religions.
Vesak 2026 in Taxila stands as a testament to the convergence of civilisations: Muslim officials, Catholic diplomats, Sikh representatives, and Buddhist monks gathering under the shared roof of world heritage. Participating countries pledged to continue accompanying Pakistan in promoting Gandhara heritage and strengthening cultural and spiritual tourism cooperation for peace and shared prosperity.
