BANGKOK: Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) is planning to organize a Buddhists conference with an aim to promote tourism in the country. The Buddhist scholars and tour operators would be invited to attend the conference, said PTDC Managing Director Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor while talking to journalists before his departure to Thailand on Wednesday. The managing director observed that this four-day visit to Thailand would increase the influx of Thai tourists to experience the beauty and diversity of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is the custodian of Gandhara Buddhist Civilisation and there are numerous holy places in the country that has great value for Buddhist people from across the world. “The significance of Buddhist civilisation in Pakistan can attract touristsif properly publicized,” he said, adding that the Thai government would provide assistance for restoration/maintenance of Ghandhara archaeological sites in Taxila and Swat. To a question, Abdul Ghafoor stated that during his time in Thailand, besides meeting the Tourism Authority of Thailand, he would also visit World Medical Centre Hospital and hold meeting with the officials of Experience Thai Airways. He said publicity material on Ghandhara will be published in Thai language soon, adding that PTDC would also invite travel writers to project Ghandhara heritage and highlight tourist attractions of Pakistan to enhance the soft image of the country in Thailand.