Pakistan gifts Buddha replicas to Thailand, Vietnam

ISLAMABAD: In a gesture to celebrate shared heritage and deepen bilateral relations, Pakistan has presented a meticulously-crafted replica of the Fasting Buddha sculpture to Thailand at the National Museum in Bangkok.

The ceremony titled “A Spiritual Journey from Gandhara to ASEAN: Celebrating Shared Heritage and Religious Tourism” highlighted the centuries-old connection between Pakistan’s Gandhara civilization and the ASEAN region where Buddhism thrived, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a press release on Saturday.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand Rukhsana Afzaal presented the replica to Director General of Thailand’s Fine Arts Department Phanomboot Chantrachoti. The attendees included Thai officials, diplomats, UN representatives, civil society, academics and media.

Rukhsana highlighted the replica, crafted by Pakistani artist Jamil Kakar, as a testament to Pakistan’s Gandhara legacy, centered in ancient Taxila, and its role in Buddhist civilization. She underscored its significance in strengthening Pakistan-Thailand friendship and promoting cultural exchanges under Pakistan’s longstanding ASEAN partnership.

Anil Sakya described the event as a spiritual reconnection, with the Fasting Buddha symbolizing wisdom and balance. Director General Chantrachoti expressed gratitude, noting the gift as a symbol of enduring diplomatic and cultural ties, reflecting shared Gandharan and Buddhist heritage. He emphasized its potential to foster collaboration through exhibitions and cultural initiatives.

Executive Director at the Centre for Cultural Development, Islamabad, Dr Nadeem Omar Tarrar, emphasized the sculpture s spiritual and artistic significance, blending Greco-Roman and Gandharan styles, and its potential to enhance Pakistan-Southeast Asia ties. The ceremony also featured a photographic exhibition of Gandhara artifacts and Buddhist sites in Pakistan by David Chi Lau. Pakistan, a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN for over three decades, continues to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties, with this gesture reinforcing cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges.

Meanwhile, a meticulously crafted replica of the revered Fasting Buddha, an iconic Gandhara-era masterpiece dating back to the 2nd century, was formally handed over to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam s largest Buddhist temple.

The gift was given by Ambassador of Pakistan Kohdayar Marri in a landmark event symbolizing cultural and spiritual solidarity between Pakistan and Vietnam, Foreign Office Spokesperson, on Saturday, said in a press release.

Ambassador Kohdayar Marri, during the ceremony, emphasised Pakistan s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue.

This gift reflects Pakistan s rich heritage, respect for all faiths and our shared vision of peace. Tolerance and respect is the essence of Islam, and such exchanges reinforce diplomacy and harmony, he said.

The original Fasting Siddhartha statue, discovered in Sikri, Pakistan and housed in Lahore Museum depicts Prince Siddhartha s profound austerity in pursuit of enlightenment.

The replica, gifted by the Government of Pakistan, embodies values of discipline, resilience, and interfaith harmony, it was added.

The event commenced with sacred prayers led by the Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who blessed the statue at the Pakistani Embassy before its journey to Ninh Binh. At Bai Dinh Pagoda, the statue was received by Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang in a traditional Buddhist ritual, attended by senior Vietnamese officials, religious leaders, and dignitaries.

Venerable Thich Minh Quang hailed the gesture as a beacon of inter-religious goodwill, promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and Vietnam.

The ceremony concluded with prayers for enduring friendship between the two nations.