NEW YORK: Pakistan has highlighted its rich Buddhist heritage and commitment to interfaith harmony at the United Nations’ commemoration of the International Day of Vesak 2026, emphasising the country’s historic ties with Buddhist civilisation and its support for global peace and coexistence.
Speaking at an event in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the country’s connection with Buddhism remains vibrant and enduring, with monks, scholars and visitors from Buddhist-majority countries continuing to travel to Pakistan to visit ancient Buddhist sites, including Taxila, Swat and Takht-e-Bahi.
Ambassador Iftikhar Ahmad said these visits reflected a shared spiritual and cultural heritage as well as Pakistan’s longstanding friendship and respect for Buddhist communities around the world.
The legacy of Buddhist Gandhara is woven into Pakistan’s socio-cultural fabric and has fashioned its pluralistic and progressive outlook, something that has motivated our advocacy for interfaith harmony and co-existence, such as that manifested in the General Assembly resolution… pic.twitter.com/MXGh3ARN0y
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) May 12, 2026
Extending greetings to Buddhist communities celebrating Vesak, Ambassador Asim thanked the Permanent Missions of Sri Lanka and Thailand for organising the commemoration.
He noted that Vesak commemorates Buddha’s journey toward enlightenment and promotes values of mindfulness, compassion, peace and love.
The ambassador said Buddha’s teachings carried increasing relevance at a time marked by global conflict, division and uncertainty.
He added that the legacy of Buddhist Gandhara remained deeply embedded in Pakistan’s socio-cultural identity and continued to shape its pluralistic and progressive outlook.
Highlighting Pakistan’s advocacy for interfaith harmony, he referred to the UN General Assembly resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, jointly tabled by Pakistan and the Philippines.
Ambassador Asim concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to working with the international community to promote Buddha’s universal message of peace, harmony and tranquillity.
The International Day of Vesak is a United Nations-recognised observance that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing away (Parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha.
“Vesak” — also called Vesakh, Buddha Day, or Wesak in some countries — is one of the most important festivals in Buddhism and is observed by millions of Buddhists worldwide. The day usually falls in May, based on the lunar calendar.
The United Nations officially recognised the International Day of Vesak in 1999 to acknowledge Buddhism’s contribution to spirituality, peace, compassion, and humanity’s moral development.
