Buddhists from Korea, Thailand, Malaysia visit Jaulian Stupa

KHANPUR: Buddhists from South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia visited the UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological site of Jaulian Stupa in Khanpur on Wednesday, where they performed religious rituals and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts in preserving Buddhist heritage.

The visit was facilitated by the Department of Archaeology and Museums, with Regional Officer for Hazara Division Syed Niaz Ali Bacha welcoming the guests and providing a detailed briefing on the ancient Buddhist civilisation and the historical significance of the Jaulian Stupa.

During their tour, the visiting monks and dignitaries offered prayers at the site and expressed their satisfaction with the peaceful atmosphere in Pakistan. They commended the country’s commitment to religious freedom, saying that all faiths are allowed to practice freely.

The delegation also lauded the Department of Archaeology for the maintenance and preservation of the archaeological site and acknowledged Pakistan’s growing role in promoting religious tourism.

Last week, a delegation of Malaysian Buddhist pilgrims visited sacred Buddhist sites in Gilgit-Baltistan, where they performed religious rituals and prayers.

Sherbaz Gulbasti, a guide accompanying the delegation, told HUM News English that the group, consisting of 34 members including a monk, visited the Manthal Buddha Rock in Skardu. He said they offered prayers at the Buddhist sacred site.

Separately, a Thai Buddhist delegation also visited the Manthal Buddha Rock and performed their rituals. Zakir Baltistani, a Skardu journalist, told that the Thai delegation was on touristic trip in Skardu not specifically for performing pilgrimage however they did perform their rituals in the Sacred Buddhism site.

Located in Manthal village near Sadpara Dam, Manthal Buddha Rock is one of the most famous tourist attractions, as well as a significant historical and archaeological heritage site of the Baltistan region. Every year, many Buddhists and local tourists visit the site.