The Third International Conference on the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan commenced this morning at the Taxila Institute of Archaeology and Civilizations (TIAC), Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, bringing together distinguished scholars, diplomats, monastic leaders, cultural heritage experts, and policymakers from across the world to celebrate and explore Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist heritage and the enduring global legacy of Gandhara.
The opening ceremony began with a welcome address by the Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, who emphasized the importance of preserving Pakistan’s diverse cultural and civilizational heritage and highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting research and international collaboration on Gandharan studies and Buddhist heritage.
The conference keynote address was delivered by Dr. Stefan Baums, internationally renowned scholar of Gandhari Buddhist manuscripts, who shared the findings of his research and highlighted the historical significance of the Gandhara civilization and its contributions to the intellectual, artistic, and spiritual traditions of Asia and the wider world.
Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi was the Chief Guest on the occasion and addressed the gathering. He lauded the organizers for convening an important international platform dedicated to intercultural dialogue, heritage preservation, and scholarly exchange. “This conference is not only an academic forum; it is a platform for intercultural dialogue, scholarly cooperation, and international understanding. It reflects the Government of Pakistan and conference organizers shared commitment to protecting the historical and spiritual legacy of Gandhara and promoting the universal values of peace, harmony, tolerance, and compassion” the Minister said during the inaugural session.”
A special souvenir presentation ceremony was also held during the opening session. Souvenirs were presented to the Federal Minister and the Vice Chancellor by Venerable Jue Cheng, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Thailand. Souvenirs were also presented to ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps by Venerable You Deng and Prof. Ghani ur Rahman as a gesture of goodwill and international friendship. Dr Ijlal Hussain, Director of the Silk Road Centre conducted the conference launch ceremony.
The conference, themed “Exploring the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan through Multidisciplinary Research,” is jointly organized by the Humanistic Buddhist Research Centres (HBRCs) at Quaid-i-Azam University and Universiti Malaya, Fo Guang Shan Education Centre Malaysia, the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Silk Road Centre, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, and the International Institute for Central Asian Studies.
More than 36 distinguished speakers and scholars from Pakistan and abroad are participating in the conference, which continues through May 20, followed by academic and heritage field visits through May 23, 2026. The event seeks to advance multidisciplinary research, strengthen international academic cooperation, and promote awareness of Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage and Gandhara’s global civilizational contributions.
