About the Conference

Pakistan is a holy land for millions of Buddhist devotees around the world. It is the cradle of the famous Gandhara Buddhist art and iconography. It is the birthplace of renowned Buddhist philosophers and spiritual masters like Asanga, Vasubhandhu, Guru Rinpoche and Monk Marananta. The two brothers, Asanga and Vasubhandha, lived in Peshawar, then known as Purushapura, in the 4th century CE. They became prominent Buddhist philosophers by shaping Buddhist thought for centuries to come.

Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) was from the Swat valley. He is venerated as the “second Buddha” by adherents of Buddhism in Bhutan, Nepal and China…. Read More

Important Dates

October 30, 2025

Deadline: Submission of abstracts

November 30, 2025

Notification of decision to contributors

February 15, 2026

Submission of full papers

February 15, 2026

February 20, 2026

Finalize conference program

February 25, 2026

Deadline: Registration for Travel & Tours

February 28, 2026

Publish final program

Conference 2026 Activities

Learn from scholars and teachers

    • Engaging talks with deep insights into conference themes
    • Panel Sessions with Q&A on conference themes
    • Moderated In-depth Discussion with well-known scholars

Experience the Spiritual Journey

    • Flexible itineraries to visit key Buddhist Heritage sites and museums in Taxila, Peshawar, Mardan and Swat
    • Well-known tourism companies will facilitate the trips

Conference Theme for 2026

Exploring the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan through Multidisciplinary Research

Sub Themes:

Buddhism in Gandhara and Its Transmission Beyond

The Gandhara Legacy – New Excavations, Discoveries and Interpretations

Conservation and Management of Buddhist Sites – Challenges and Opportunities

Impact of Climate Change on Cultural Heritage

Use of Technology and Innovation in Buddhist Heritage Conservation

We have done it before...

2022

International Conference and Art Festival for Promoting
Social Cohesion and Interfaith Harmony

BUDDHISM IN PAKISTAN:
HISTORY,
ARCHAEOLOGY, ART AND ARCHITECTURE

Islamabad, March 14-15, 2022

2024

International Conference and Art Festival
on

HERITAGE FOR PEACE AND PROGRESS:
CONSERVATION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING TO
PROMOTE THE BUDDHIST HERITAGE OF PAKISTAN

Islamabad, March 2-3, 2024

Call for Submissions Closed

Abstracts submitted by authors were reviewed by the Conference Academic Committee, comprising research scholars and academics. Only authors whose abstracts were approved were invited to submit full research papers within the specified timeframe. All authors have been duly notified of the outcome of the review process.

Submissions of abstracts are now closed.

 

Ready to Get Started?

Why register?

  • Experience cutting-edge discussions on the Buddhist heritage of Pakistan
  • Engage with scholars, archaeologists, and heritage professionals from around the world
  • Access exclusive workshops and guided heritage tours
  • Network with leading academic and cultural institutions
Join the Third International Conference on:
EXPLORING THE BUDDHIST HERITAGE OF PAKISTAN
THROUGH MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

Learn about conservation, education, and training efforts, and engage with experts in Buddhist history, philosophy, art, and architecture.

Presenter registration is now closed.
Attendance is open to participants/attendees only.

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