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Gandhara Cultural Festival held to promote heritage, eco-tourism

Gandhara Cultural Festival held to promote heritage, eco-tourism

An MoU was signed between govt bodies and cultural organisations for heritage conservation efforts.
30 Jan, 2025

The Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) hosted a vibrant Gandhara Cultural Festival on Wednesday, marking the grand launch of an initiative that aims to promote Gandhara civilisation and heritage for sustainable eco-tourism in Pakistan.

The event brought together dignitaries, cultural enthusiasts and policymakers to celebrate and preserve the rich legacy of the ancient Gandhara civilisation including Nadir Gul Barech, CEO of the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF); Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz, Managing Director of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) Rana Aftab, Adviser for Culture and Heritage Kashif Irshad and CEO Kurram Welfare Home (KWH) Mohammad Kamran.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Barech emphasised the significance of the project, both in terms of cultural preservation and economic empowerment.

“This initiative marks a milestone in preserving our heritage while simultaneously creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities. By empowering artisans, women entrepreneurs and developing eco-tourism skills, we are ensuring that our rich history becomes a driver of economic development and global tourism,” Barech said.

An overview of the comprehensive project followed, which outlined key strategies to promote Gandhara heritage sites and integrate eco-tourism into Pakistan’s tourism landscape.

Experts highlighted the significance of sustainable development in conserving archaeological sites while creating economic opportunities for local communities.

A compelling documentary screening captivated the audience, offering a visual journey through the ancient Gandhara civilisation, renowned for its Buddhist art, stupas and historical sites. The documentary shed light on the region’s historical significance and underscored the urgency of preserving its unique heritage.

A key highlight of the festival was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing between government bodies and cultural organisations, solidifying collaborative efforts for heritage conservation and tourism development. The agreement aimed to implement preservation projects, promote research and attract both local and international tourists to Gandhara sites.

Cultural performances added to the festival’s grandeur, with a mesmerising Gandhara-themed dance performance bringing ancient traditions to life. An instrumental performance followed, featuring traditional music that resonated with the spirit of Gandhara’s past.

Adviser for Culture and Heritage at PNCA Kashif Irshad shared that Pakistan had a vast and untapped potential in heritage tourism.

“By 2030, we aim to contribute $18 billion annually to the national economy,” he said, adding that, “we will continue to organise such festivals, providing artisans and communities a platform to share their heritage.

Irshad said these events not only highlight the rich cultural identity of Pakistan but also strengthen the national economy and unity among people of different faiths.

Originally published in Dawn, January 30th, 2025

Comments

Yusuf Jan 30, 2025 12:21pm
No mention of Dr Nadeem Tarar... Wonder what's going on..
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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Jan 30, 2025 12:58pm
Fascinating.
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Taj Ahmad Jan 30, 2025 07:29pm
Pakistan is beautiful and Pakistanis are even more beautiful and loving people. Let’s together make Pakistan a great country again.
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Ehsan Jan 30, 2025 08:18pm
Pakistan has so much to offer, only if things are done professionally and according to international standards
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Nes Jan 30, 2025 11:10pm
AOA. THE PROBLEM HINDERING TOURISM IN GENERAL AND HERITAGE TOURISM IN PARTICULAR IS THAT WE DO NOT HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE AND WHOLESOME APPROACH .THE MAIN PROBLEMS ARE: 1- ALL HERITAGE SITES HAVE NO BOUNDARY WALLS TO PROTECT AND CREATE AN ENCLAVE ATMOSPHERE. THE RESULT IS ANY BODY CAN VANDALIZE .MAKES THE SITES LOOK LIKE NOBODY CARES. 2- NO INFRASTRUCTURE LIKE RESTAURANTS ,HOTELS COFFEE SHOPS INFORMATION CENTERS ,TOURIST CEREMONIAL POLICE ETC ARE NOWHERE VISIBLE IN PAKISTAN .AS A RESULT WE EARN ALMOST NOTHING FROM TOURISM AS COMPARED TO UK WHICH EARNS MORE THAN 300 BILLION DOLLARS AND THE LIST GOES ON.THINK OF A COUNTRY WITH 1000 KM LONG COAST LINE AND ZERO TOURISM .NO ENCLAVES FOR PROTECTION OF TOURISTS ,NO BERTH FOR A CRUISELINER , NO TOURIST SEVICE CENTERS AND AGAIN NO TOURIST WELCOMING AND PROTECTING TOURISM POLICE. SAME IS TRUE FOR G.B AND ALL MOUNTAIN AREAS, DESERT HERITAGE SITES ETC ETC. THINK WHY WE ARE POOR WITH A BEGGING BOWL.
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