The Buddha Caves at Shah Allah Ditta, Islamabad, marked a major milestone on 4 November 2026 with the completion of their conservation and preservation project.
The Buddha Caves at Shah Allah Ditta, Islamabad, marked a major milestone on 4 November 2026 with the completion of their conservation and preservation project. Mr. Muhammad Hamza Shahbaz Sharif, Member of the National Assembly and former Chief Minister of Punjab, inaugurated the project. He was then given a guided tour of the caves and the belvedere, where he viewed the Stupa of Ban Faqiran through a telescope. Mr. Asad Rehman Gilani, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, and Mr. Muhammad Azeem, Project Director at the Department of Archaeology and Museums (DoAM), Islamabad, briefed him on the caves’ historical significance and the project’s scope and key features. Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, Special Assistants to the Prime Minister, parliamentarians, diplomats from China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Myanmar and Vietnam, and senior government officials attended the ceremony. A documentary highlighting the caves’ historical and archaeological significance was screened. The visiting diplomatic community appreciated the Government of Pakistan’s efforts to preserve this Buddhist heritage. Mr. Hamza Shahbaz Sharif commended the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, DoAM Islamabad, and the heritage experts for their work to protect this important site. He also emphasized the need for improved road access to welcome visitors, promote tourism and create economic opportunities for local communities. Federal Minister Mr. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi thanked Mr. Hamza Shahbaz Sharif for inaugurating the project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage. He said that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, safeguarding these sites remains central to strengthening cultural diplomacy, promoting interfaith harmony and enhancing Pakistan’s international image.
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