24/04/2021
KP welcoming foreign tourists; Dozens of religious sites are open for visitors in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The delegation of Sri Lankan Buddhist monks visited various archaeological sites of Ghandhara Buddhist civilisation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, performed religious rituals, and evinced keen interest in the preservation of the sites by KP Government. These sites include archaeological world heritage site Takht-i-Bahi, Jaulian, Bhamala, Shahbaz Garhi, Jamal Garhi and others.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Zulfi Bukhari and officials of KP Archaeology and Tourism Department accompanied the delegation. The delegation was given detailed briefing about the historical importance of these rich archaeological sites of Ghandhara period in the province and measures being taken for preservation of these historical sites besides facilitation of tourists.
The monks were informed about the progress of work on the Buddhist sites and steps taken for the promotion of religious tourism by KP Government.
The visit of Sri Lankan Buddhist monks will be helpful in promoting religious tourism in the country. The visiting monks appreciated hospitality of Pakistani people and expressed gratitude for their welcoming gesture. The monks praised the restoration of the Buddhist religious sites.
The delegation members were of the opinion that Pakistan can become an attractive touristβs destination for Sri Lankan citizen where 72 percent of population was follower of Buddhism.
Talking to the media on the occasion, SAPM Zulfi Bukhari said KP has taken good measures for promotion of religious tourism in the country. KP Government promoting unexplored sites of the province to highlight the real image of Pakistan internationally and to generate revenue. He also appreciated KP Archaeology and Tourism department for attracting tourists from Sri Lanka to the Buddhist remained.