Islamabad: A delegation of Buddhist monks from Sri Lanka arrived in Pakistan for a week-long pilgrimage and visit to ancient Gandhara archaeological sites. The visit is aimed at strengthening cultural ties between Pakistan and Sri Lanka based on shared Buddhist heritage.
The monks began their journey with a visit to the Lahore Museum which houses some of the finest remains of the Gandhara civilisation and rare Buddhist relics including the jewel of the museum ‘Fasting Buddha’ and ‘Sikri Stupa’ dating back to the 2nd century. Gandhara was the most important Buddhist learning centre between the 2nd century BC and AD 7th century.