By Asim Hussain
ISLAMABAD: Former Punjab Chief Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President, Hamza Shahbaz Sharif Wednesday underscored the importance of preserving Pakistan’s shared historical and cultural heritage, promoting religious harmony and projecting the country’s positive image internationally.
He inaugurated the conservation and restoration project of the historic Shah Allah Ditta Buddhist Caves in Islamabad, describing it as an important step towards safeguarding the country’s rich cultural heritage.
During his visit to the Buddhist caves, Hamza Shahbaz was briefed on the project by Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani. He appreciated the efforts of Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and the ministry to highlight Pakistan’s positive image internationally.
Hamza Shahbaz said the preservation of the Shah Allah Ditta Buddhist Caves was an important initiative for protecting Pakistan’s shared historical and cultural heritage. He said Islam teaches respect for other religions, protection of minority rights and preservation of their places of worship.
He said the restoration of the Buddhist caves would help project Pakistan’s positive and enlightened image to the world and transform the site into an attractive historical destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Emphasising the need for improved tourism infrastructure, Hamza Shahbaz stressed the construction of a better and direct access road to the Shah Allah Ditta Buddhist Caves. He said improved road connectivity would increase tourist arrivals, create local employment opportunities and boost economic activities in the area.
He also invited diplomats and citizens from Buddhist-majority countries to visit the historic caves with their families, saying the site could become a symbol of mutual respect, religious harmony and shared cultural heritage.
Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the conservation and restoration of the Shah Allah Ditta Buddhist Caves.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government was committed to preserving Buddhist historical sites across Pakistan.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi urged the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and the media to highlight the historical and religious significance of the Shah Allah Ditta Buddhist Caves to promote tourism and raise awareness about the country’s rich cultural heritage.
He said the preservation of Buddhist heritage would play an important role in promoting cultural diplomacy and interfaith harmony.
The members of the National Assembly, diplomats and senior government officials attended the inauguration ceremony.
