Dr Ramesh Kumar Leads Tour to Mohra Morado & Jaulian Gandhara Heritage Sites

Tazeen Akhtar

Minister of State, Chairman Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani has said his Task Force is about to give a surprise in connection with Buddhist tourism in few days. He said this while addressing the diplomats from ASEAN country and media persons at the visit to Archaeological Sites Jaulian in KPK & Mohra Morado in Taxila Punjab on Wednesday 26 July 2023.

The representative of Philippine embassy admired Pakistan for well preservation of thousands of years old civilization. She said that visiting these sites is a unique and memorable experience. She said we would like to visit all sites.

Dr Ramesh Kumar said that in world heritage documents, only 30 % of our Gandhara sites have been mentioned. More than 70 % are not described there. That is why we are working on them to introduce them to the world.

He said that seeing our work Indian Prime Minister Modi also has started introduction of Gandhara sites in India but it is fact that India has only few sites while Pakistan is the center of Gandhara civilization. He resolved that he would get recognition for all Pakistani sites from the international organizations including UNESCO.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar Vankwani while visiting Gandhara ancient Stupa said that the visit is a link to explore the remnants of Gandhara civilization every week under the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Gandhara Tourism.

HEALER BUDHA WITH BELLY BUTTON AT JAULIAN

Jaulian and Mohra Muradu Stupa located on Taxila Road are important landmarks of Gandhara Civilization. Today, the presence of the great philosopher of the region, Kautilya Chanakya, in the educational center is a matter of pride. Chanakya wrote the books Artha Shastra and Chanakya Niti on the land of Taxila.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar said that only 30% of Gandhara sites are mentioned in the World Heritage documents. More than 70% are not described there. So we are working on them to introduce them to the world.

Dr. Ramesh Kumar said that Mohra Muradu and Julian are being protected in the best way. I want to link Mohra Muradu in Punjab and Jaulian in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We have a proposal of Chairlift as well. We will see the feasibility of this facility for the tourists so that they can easily walk between Mohra Muradu and Julian.

He said, “Preservation of the ancient heritage of Gandhara is a collective responsibility of all. Weekly tours to Gandhara aim to explore the remains, ruins and sanctuaries of the Gandhara civilization.I will soon announce a surprise for the promotion of Gandhara tourism at the global level.”

The local staff of the Department of Archeology welcomed the visitors at the historical sites and informed them about the details of the sites. Dr. Ramesh Kumar praised them for taking good care of the places for tourists and future generations.