ISLAMABAD: A senior Buddhist monk from Thailand has said that Pakistan has been the cradle of Buddhist civilization and this preserved heritage is a source of inspiration to foster peace and harmony in today’s world.
Most Venerable (MV) Dr. Anil Sakya, was addressing a forum hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) in Islamabad on Tuesday. The event was organized by the China-Pakistan Study Center (CPSC) and focused on “Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan: A Bridge to Peace and Harmony.”
Dr. Anil Sakya emphasized the profound significance of Pakistan’s unique Buddhist heritage, which dates back thousands of years and represents some of the most authentic and ancient Buddhist sites and artefacts in the world.
Drawing from his personal experiences, MV Dr. Anil Sakya referred to his numerous visits to Pakistan over the past decades and his efforts to create awareness about the country’s religious and cultural landscape.
He shared anecdotes from his teaching experiences in Thailand and the United States, where he stressed the universality of Buddhist principles and the importance of Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage.
He also mentioned his work with Thai officials to promote cultural exchanges, including proposals for exhibitions in Thailand to showcase Pakistan’s Buddhist artefacts and enhance a deeper understanding and appreciation of this rich heritage.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his remarks, highlighted MV Dr. Anil Sakay’s journey as a revered spiritual leader and a distinguished scholar, noting his significant contributions to the understanding of Buddhist philosophy and heritage worldwide. He added that Dr. Anil Sakya has a unique ability to bridge the traditional principles of Theravada Buddhism with the contemporary challenges faced by common, making him a beacon of adaptability and relevance in the counterparty world.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also highlighted the rich Buddhist Gandhara heritage of Pakistan, pointing out that the region was home to some of the most important and sacred Buddhist sites globally.
He noted these sites — including Taxila, Peshawar, Swat, and Takht-i-Bhai — were centers of learning and creativity during the peak of the Gandhara civilization. He added that by promoting and preserving this heritage, Pakistan was not only honouring its past but also making a valuable contribution to international dialogue on peace and harmony.
Earlier, Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director CPSC, stressed the relevance of Buddhist teachings in today’s world, especially in promoting peace, mutual respect, co-existence and harmony amidst international challenges.
A Thai delegation led by Chalyapon Suk-leam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, Thailand also attended the forum. Think-tank experts, academics, members of civil society and the media participated in the event.
