Daily Times

Ven Wonhaeng, President of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, has praised the hospitality extended to them by the government and people of Pakistan.

He termed Pakistan as home of ancient Buddhist heritage and a tourist-friendly country. While wrapping up the delegation’s pilgrimage, Ven Wonhaeng promised to deliver a good message back home about Pakistan. He underlined the need to improve the allied infrastructure and facilities at the heritage sites and properly publicize Pakistan’s rich cultural and historical treasures to the world. In this regard, the Korean Buddhist delegation agreed to make contributions so that Pakistan becomes a priority tourism destination for Buddhists monks.

The delegation received an overwhelming welcome from federal and provincial governments. It called on President Dr Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi during the visit. Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar hosted a lunch and KP Governor Shah Farman hosted a dinner reception for the Buddhist pilgrims.

Koran Ambassador in Pakistan expressed his satisfaction over the existing cultural ties between the two countries and highlighted the importance of common heritage of Buddhism for further cementing cultural and religious ties between Korea and Pakistan.

The delegation’s pilgrimage covered historical sites and heritage located in Lahore, Gilgit, Hunza, Islamabad, Taxila, Peshawar, Takht Bahi in Mardan and Chota Lahore in Swabi. They offered prayers at Buddhist sacred sites for international peace and interfaith harmony.