Daily Times

As the world celebrated tourism day on Friday with enthusiasm, Pakistan emphasized its unique cultural, adventure, heritage and historical offerings, notably its rich Gandhara and Indus civilizations for foreign tourists to discover by taking advantage of the Govt. friendly tourism policies.

This year’s theme, “Tourism for Peace,” reflected the nation’s strong commitment and resolve to leveraging tourism as a vehicle for economic growth, poverty’s alleviation, peace and social harmony. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government departments, NGOs and civil society joined hands to mark the day with a series of events, including walks, seminars, and award ceremonies, highlighting tourism significance for global and regional peace and economic growth for people’s socio economic emancipation.

KP Culture and Tourism Authority (KPC&TA) held a prominent event at Nishtar Hall in Peshawar in connection with world tourism day, recognizing services of stakeholders, travelers and journalists for their great contributions to promotion of the tourism sector and awarded them for their impressive work.

World Tourism Day, established in 1980, commemorated the adoption of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) statutes in 1970, aiming to foster connections among nations and cultures across borders.

Pakistan’s diverse landscapes, primitive civilizations and ancient heritage sites—six UNESCO World Heritage sites including Takht Bhai Mardan, Moenjo Dharo, Taxila, Makli monument Thatta, Shalimar Gardens and Shahi Fort at Lahore, Rohtas fort and five of the world’s highest peaks with over 8000 meters heights including K2 and Naga Parbat in Gilgit Baltistan–offered a rich tapestry for global tourists to explore.

Speakers at the key event highlighted the Pakistan’s historical significance in terms of different forms of tourism especially of being a home to the Gandhara and Indus civilizations, with archaeological sites revealing artifacts and statues from various eras besides preservation of Lord Buddha’s statues and life stories in panels preserved at Peshawar Museum.

Bakhtzada Khan, Assistant Director of Archaeology and Museums KP, noted significant discoveries, including human remains dating back to the Early Paleolithic period, which emphasized the region’s deep historical roots. He exclusively pointed to the excavations in Soan Valley and Sangaro Cave, revealing evidence of human life as far back as two million years ago.

These findings showcased the rich cultural narrative of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where ancient people created tools and pottery, transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to one that involved settled agriculture and food services.

As the discussion shifted to the cultural crossroads represented by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the speakers elaborated on the province’s role in the spread of Buddhism, particularly the Gandhara civilization, which flourished under Persian rule in the 6th century BC in the present day KP. Notable figures, such as Alexander the Great, traversed these lands, contributing to the region’s historical significance.

“Peshawar Museum, housing over 30,000 artifacts including Gandhara art, serves as a crucial repository of this rich history, attracting monks and followers of Buddhism across the world.”

Anaya Khan, a student who visited the museum along with parents, expressed awe at the preserved relics of Gandhara civilization and suggested the importance of digital media in showcasing these treasures to a global audience.