By Khawaja Hamza

Islamabad- A 20-member Sri Lankan delegation comprising academics, Buddhist monks, religious leaders and media representatives visited Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where they were briefed on the country’s rich cultural and religious heritage, particularly its Gandhara Buddhist legacy, religious tourism opportunities and initiatives such as the Kartarpur Corridor.

Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Tariq Wazeer, Director General Strategic Communications, briefed the delegation. Ambassador Khan highlighted the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and warmly welcomed Sri Lankan visitors to Pakistan.

The discussions covered several potential areas of cooperation, including academic partnerships, enhanced connectivity, updated memorandums of understanding (MoUs), joint archaeological explorations and cultural exchanges.

Ambassador Khan appreciated the contributions of the Prime Minister’s Taskforce on Gandhara Cradle of Buddhism Strategy, Mr. Imran Shaukat, and the Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan, who also attended the meeting.

The visit reinforced the shared efforts of Pakistan and Sri Lanka to strengthen people-to-people ties and promote their common cultural and civilizational heritage.