Faiza Tehseen

Pakistan is endowed with a vast treasure of cultural heritage in the form of values, folk traditions and archaeological monuments. By preserving and showcasing these treasures, Pakistan can not only earn valuable foreign exchange, but also enhance its positive image in the world, Dr Mahmood ul Hassan, Deputy Director at the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Islamabad, told WealthPK. “Globally, cultural heritage exhibitions are a regular practice in almost all countries to showcase their history. They are considered an honour to keep rather than using them as source of earning. Quoting the example of Buddhist artefacts currently showcased in China and their impact on promoting the tourist footfall in Pakistan, Dr. Mahmood said that the ongoing year 2023 has been announced as the year of tourism between Pakistan and China.

“A number of cultural events have been planned to celebrate the year. The exhibition of Gandhara artefacts in China is also part of this event. The Peshawar Museum and Taxila Museum from the Punjab province, and two federally governed museums, i.e., the National Museum, Karachi, and Islamabad Museum, have provided A-class Buddhist artefacts for the exhibition. “These artefacts are Buddhist life stories in the form of rock carvings and sculptures from miniature to life-size covering all phases from birth to death. The exhibition was inaugurated in March 2023 at the Palace Museum, Beijing, and closed in June 2023. However, keeping in view the interest of the Chinese people and their appreciation of the high level of preservation of the artefacts, the Chinese minister for culture requested for extension in the exhibition for their showcasing at the other museums.

The exhibition’s new venue is the Gansu Provincial Museum, located in the Qilihe District of Lanzhou. It was inaugurated on 8^th September and will close on 8^th December this year. After showcasing in the other museums, this exhibition will be officially closed in June 2024. Dr. Mahmood said that besides archaeological visuals, many of these sites like the ruins of Gandhara, Hindu temple of Hinglaj deity in Balochistan, Katas Raj in Punjab and Kartarpur temple for Sikhs are also considered sacred by a few religions. So, the tourist footfall in Pakistan is also concerned with religious tourism on a large scale. Many of our other archaeological sites like Mohenjo Dero, and Harappa, are great treasures, he added.

Heritage showcasing is a kind of cultural exchange and it is a totally non-commercial activity to share information, knowledge, and entertainment. Like China, Pakistan can earn handsome revenue by conserving its archaeological sites, religious artefacts, folk traditions, etc. Dr Mahmood suggested that regular showcasing of such exhibitions in other countries, especially, in the Buddhist majority countries, will obviously lure their people to visit Pakistan. Proper facilitation and strategic promotion will increase the footfall of Buddhist enthusiasts, scholars and researchers.

Credit: INP-WealthPk