2022 International Conference and Art Festival
for Promoting Social Cohesion and Interfaith Harmony
BUDDHISM IN PAKISTAN:
HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY, ART AND ARCHITECTURE
The 2022 international conference and art festival in Islamabad was designed to invite a renewed attention to the immense value and knowledge of Pakistan’s Gandhara Buddhist heritage for peace, development and scholarship. The conference and art festival brought together local and international scholars, experts, artists, religious leaders and devotees to explore the Gandharan Buddhist history, philosophy, art, and architecture. The conference sessions were designed to provide a forum to promote social cohesion and interfaith harmony in Pakistan by bringing together diverse religious faith leaders including Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus and Sikhs to establish a dialogue. Artworks at the art festival gorgeously depicted the beauty of Gandhara art and the richness of Pakistan’s religious heritage by young and experienced artists. The artworks remained on display at PNCA for two days. Post-conference trips to sacred Buddhist sites and museums in Taxila, Peshawar, Mardan and Swat were regarded as an enriching experience and a spiritual journey by over forty conference delegates. Many of the visitors suggested to continue this 3-day trip in future as well.