ISLAMABAD: Tourism is growing apace all over the world and archaeo-tourism is its important segment. In view of this sector’s immense importance, China is keen to coordinate with Pakistan on modern research and training of archaeo experts, young archaeologists, and conservationists. “This will help build the capacity of our experts because we lack expertise in the archaeo-sector,” said Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan, Deputy Director of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad while talking to WealthPK.
“Although cultural and heritage tourism is not well promoted in Pakistan, cooperation with China will not only help us conserve such places but also increase the number of foreign tourists. With Chinese coordination, high-tech conservation laboratories can be established in many museums of Pakistan, such as the Lahore Museum, Peshawar Museum, and the National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi,’’ he said.
Dr. Mahmood said he recently visited China to attend a ceremony related to the showcasing of Pakistani artifacts, especially those belonging to the Gandhara civilization. In meetings with the ministers of Chinese culture and tourism sector, cooperation to enhance the tourism sector, especially the archaeo-tourism, was the hot topic of discussion.
“China is our neighbour and all-time friend, and both sides are willing to promote tourism. The current year is named the ‘year of tourism exchange’ between the two countries, and a large number of Chinese people want to come to Pakistan. I am sure that after our current exhibition, Chinese people will start coming to Pakistan to see the cultural heritage sites and museums here. Pakistan has a rich treasure concerning Buddhism,’’ Dr. Mahmood said.
Continuing the discussion, Dr. Mahmood said Pakistan faces conservation problems at its archaeological sites. “There is also a vast variety of artifacts in our museums, waiting to be conserved on modern lines. Outdated conservation laboratories are acting as a backlash to ruin our heritage and historical assets,” he said.
Dr. Mahmood said most of the museums in Pakistan do not keep any laboratories and China is keen to share its expert coordination to help Pakistan cope with this issue, which will help save its heritage and boost the archaeo-tourism sector.
“We also need modern conservation laboratories to preserve our rich treasures of heritage and archaeological hotspots. China is ready to play a key role in this concern. When our museums and archaeological sites are arranged in a befitting manner, not only tourists but pilgrims of sacred heritage places, students of history, and research scholars will happily visit Pakistan. It will help Pakistan earn handsome foreign exchange. So, Chinese coordination is important,” he said.
Furthermore, he said from the tourism point of view, Gandhara is the holy land for Buddhists across the globe. It is the origin and cradle of rich Buddhist heritage. So, people belonging to this community across the world may visit Pakistan and feel happy by looking at the well-kept Buddhist monuments.
Asian countries, e.g. Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China, Laos, and Vietnam have a great population of Buddhist followers. Many Buddhist tourists come to Pakistan to see these archaeological sites.
Buddhist monks from China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, etc. frequently visit Pakistan. A monk from Thailand has spent almost three months in Taxila. He also visited all of the tourist sites and monuments.
According to Dr. Mahmood, the potential of archaeo-tourism, especially with Chinese coordination, will show its true worth for the estate wallets of the country. The communities related to the heritage sites will not only earn a smart livelihood but also present a soft image of Pakistan as the guardian of historic assets.
