Former Punjab chief minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hamza Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves Preservation Project in Islamabad on Wednesday, November 4, marking a new effort to protect Pakistan’s ancient Buddhist heritage and promote cultural tourism.
The project aims to preserve the historic caves, which reflect the region’s Buddhist history and religious traditions. The initiative is also expected to strengthen Pakistan’s cultural diplomacy and attract domestic and international visitors, particularly from Buddhist-majority countries.
Following the inauguration, Hamza Shahbaz visited the archaeological site, where Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani briefed him on the preservation work, its main features and the project’s overall cost.
A documentary highlighting the archaeological importance and historical background of the Shah Allah Ditta Caves was also screened during the ceremony. It presented the site’s association with Buddhist worship and its place in the region’s cultural history.
Hamza Shahbaz Highlights Religious Harmony and Cultural Heritage
Addressing the ceremony, Hamza Shahbaz appreciated the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture for its efforts to preserve and restore the historic caves.
He described the location as a valuable part of Pakistan’s natural and cultural heritage, praising its green surroundings and mountainous landscape.
He also emphasised that Islam promotes respect for other religions, protects the rights of minorities and calls for the safeguarding of their places of worship.
According to Hamza Shahbaz, preserving historical religious sites would help project Pakistan’s positive image internationally while providing visitors with opportunities to explore the country’s diverse cultural heritage.
He invited diplomats and visitors, particularly those from Buddhist countries, to explore the caves with their families. He said the site could become a symbol of religious tolerance, mutual respect and shared history.
Better Road Access Proposed to Boost Tourism
Hamza Shahbaz also called for improved road connectivity to the Shah Allah Ditta Buddha Caves, arguing that easier access would encourage more people to visit the archaeological site.
He requested Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi to coordinate with the relevant authorities and pursue the construction of a shorter and more convenient access road.
He said better infrastructure could support tourism, create employment opportunities and generate economic activity for communities living in the surrounding areas.
The former Punjab chief minister also welcomed the area’s emerging commercial activity, saying local residents deserved recreational spaces where families could spend time while enjoying the country’s historical and natural attractions.
Government Seeks International Promotion of Buddhist Heritage
Speaking at the inauguration, Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi thanked Hamza Shahbaz for inaugurating the preservation project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s Buddhist archaeological sites.
He urged the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) and media organisations to raise awareness about the historical and religious importance of the Shah Allah Ditta Caves.
The minister particularly highlighted the need to promote the site among international tourists and visitors from Buddhist countries.
He said the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, was committed to preserving Buddhist heritage sites throughout Pakistan.
Aurangzeb Khan Khichi added that protecting such historical landmarks could strengthen cultural diplomacy, encourage interfaith understanding and improve Pakistan’s international standing.
Diplomats and Senior Officials Attend Ceremony
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Federal Minister Rana Mubashar, MNA Anjam Aqeel Khan, former Islamabad Deputy Mayor Syed Zeeshan Shah, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister Aon Chaudhary and Talha Barki, senior government officials and diplomats from Buddhist countries.
The participation of foreign diplomats highlighted the project’s potential role in promoting Pakistan’s historical connections with Buddhist communities worldwide.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, former Islamabad Deputy Mayor Syed Zeeshan Shah presented a souvenir to Hamza Shahbaz Sharif in recognition of his participation.
The preservation initiative is expected to contribute to the protection of Islamabad’s archaeological heritage while creating opportunities to develop the Shah Allah Ditta area as a cultural and tourism destination.
