ISLAMABAD (Nazrana Times): A 20-member Sri Lankan delegation comprising academics, Buddhist monks, religious leaders and media representatives visited Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The meeting focused on Gandhara’s Buddhist heritage, opportunities for religious tourism and ways to expand cooperation between the two countries.

Briefing on Gandhara Heritage and the Kartarpur Corridor

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan and Director General for Strategic Communications Tariq Wazeer briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s cultural and religious heritage. They highlighted Gandhara’s Buddhist legacy, opportunities for religious tourism and initiatives such as the Kartarpur Corridor.

Khan welcomed the Sri Lankan visitors and highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Academic Partnerships and Joint Archaeological Research

Participants discussed potential academic partnerships, better connectivity, updates to memoranda of understanding, joint archaeological explorations and cultural exchanges.

Khan acknowledged the work of the Prime Minister’s Task Force on the Gandhara Cradle of Buddhism Strategy. He also thanked Imran Shaukat and Sri Lanka’s high commissioner to Pakistan for their contributions. Both attended the meeting.

The visit reinforced efforts to strengthen ties between the people of Pakistan and Sri Lanka and promote their shared cultural and civilisational heritage.