Chinese scholars admire preservation of Buddhist heritage

PESHAWAR: The eight-member Chinese delegation impressed with the visit to Peshawar Museum and other archeological sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said an official on Saturday.

He said that the Chinese scholars, professors and researchers evinced keen interest in the findings and discoveries of sites related to Buddhism and Buddhist heritage.

He said the delegates admired the provincial government steps for the preservation of Buddhist heritage.

The delegation, comprising Chinese scholars, professors and researchers from the Peking University, Beijing, National Arts University, Singapore Institute, Ranwan University and Research Centre, China, visited the Peshawar Museum and Takht Bhai Buddhist complex.

General Manager Tourist Information Centres (TICs) Muhammad Ali Syed, In-charge Museum Curator Muhammad Asif, Assistant Protocol Officer Chinese Division of Pakistan Foreign Office Muhammad Tariq and other officials welcomed the

delegates upon their arrival to Peshawar Museum.

Curator Asif briefed the visiting scholars, researchers and archaeologists on the archaeological sites in Peshawar, Buddhism, gallery of Buddhist statues, antiques and artifacts.

He said that there were over 6,000 archaeological and heritage sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where research was being carried out to revive these sites properly.

“The followers of Buddhism would find a treasure trove of Buddhist statues and heritage after thorough research and revival of these sites,” the official told the delegation.

TICs General Manager Muhammad Ali Syed said that the visit of foreign dignitaries was meant to highlight the importance of heritage and archaeological sites related to Buddhism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the world besides promoting religious tourism in the province.