Rich Cultural Heritage of Pakistan
Pakistan is rich in cultural heritage, with many historical sites spread across the country. To help preserve these treasures, China and Pakistan have joined forces. They are working together under the Guardians of Gandhara program, involving both scholars and volunteers from both nations. One important site benefiting from this collaboration is the ancient Buddhist monastery, Takht-i-Bahi.
Takht-i-Bahi: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Takht-i-Bahi is located in the northwest Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). It is one of the most prestigious Buddhist religious establishments in the ancient Gandhara region. Recently, students visiting the site have been captivated by the rich history and well-preserved ruins of this majestic monastery.
Educational Visits and Conservation Efforts
“Every two weeks, I come here with at least 50 students to learn about the Buddhist monastery, stupas, kings, and their residential facilities,” said 13-year-old Muhammad Haasan, a student of heritage conservation classes launched under the Guardians of Gandhara program. “With the help of China, we will protect and conserve the heritage sites for future generations. These sites are a connection to our history, community, and identity.”
Fascination with Ancient History
Another student, Tahira, shared her fascination: “The stories of ancient kings are very interesting. This archaeological site provides us with important information on how people lived, meditated, and educated themselves about 2,000 years ago.”
Community Engagement and Awareness
Maaz Ali, a teacher and conservation assistant at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, KP, emphasized the importance of educational projects. “We aim to reconnect locals with their heritage. The young generation will take the lead in preserving these important archaeological sites in the future,” he said.
Collaboration and Restoration
Pakistani and Chinese teams have collaborated on restoring various archaeological sites in Pakistan. They have identified more sites for future conservation efforts. This restoration work has attracted increasing numbers of tourists, particularly from China and Japan, boosting Pakistan’s tourism sector and contributing to national development.
Strengthening Cooperation
On International Museum Day, observed on May 18, Pakistan sought to strengthen its cooperation with China in cultural heritage protection. The State Administration of Cultural Heritage of China and the National Heritage and Culture Division of Pakistan signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement covers joint archaeology, cultural heritage protection and restoration, exhibition exchanges, and preventing illegal trafficking of relics.
Commitment to Preservation
Abdul Samad, Director of Archaeology and Museums of KP, praised China’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage in Asia. “China is collaborating with Pakistani archaeologists to preserve and restore the archaeological sites using modern technologies,” he said. He advocated for further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Future Plans
Chen Zhigang, associate professor at Shanghai Academy of Fine Arts and director of the Guardians of Gandhara program, highlighted the established exchange relations between China and Pakistan. Looking ahead, Chen emphasized the need to focus on tourism infrastructure improvement, basic maintenance, archaeological excavation, digitization of cultural heritage, joint scientific research projects, and heritage education and cultural exchanges.
This China-funded initiative shows the power of international collaboration in preserving cultural heritage. It ensures that future generations can connect with and appreciate their rich historical legacy.
