On Tuesday, 28 May 2024, Amb. Dato’ Azhar Mazlan attended a two-day symposium and exhibition, titled “From Gandhara to the World. The event was organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan. The event was held in connection with the ‘Vesak Day’, which commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. It was aimed at showcasing Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, and underscoring the importance that the government attaches to inter-faith harmony.
A large number of Islamabad-based diplomats, government functionaries, scholars, artists and art-lovers attended the event, alongside around 25 foreign delegates, including some at the ministerial level, from Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.
Sri Lanka’s Minister for Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wikramanayaka was the guest of honor at the inaugural session. In his keynote address at the inaugural session, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Chaudhary Salik Hussain, emphasised the importance of building bridges between different communities, celebrating the shared values, and working together for a more peaceful world. He underscored that Gandhara, which brought together diverse cultural influences, is a powerful symbol of what can be achieved through understanding and collaboration.
