WB president Ajay Banga tours historic Juliyan Stupa in Khanpur

KHANPUR: World Bank President Ajay Pral Singh Banga visited the ancient Juliyan Stupa in Khanpur, highlighting Pakistan’s rich historical and cultural heritage during his four-day official trip to the country.

Banga’s visit, which began on February 1 and will continue until February 4, includes meetings with top Pakistani leaders, including the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, and Finance Minister, to discuss economic reforms, development projects, and regional cooperation.

During his cultural tour, Banga first participated in religious ceremonies at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, where the Sikh community honoured him with a traditional siropa. He then visited the Juliyan Stupa, an ancient Buddhist site dating back to the 2nd century CE, known for its main stupa, multiple smaller platforms, and monastery ruins reflecting the Gandhara civilisation.

Dr Abdul Samad, Secretary of Tourism, hosted the visit along with senior provincial and local officials. Dr Samad briefed Banga on the site’s historical significance, explaining that Juliyan Stupa was once an important Buddhist university and monastery.

Banga and his delegation also inspected other archaeological and geological sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and reviewed ongoing efforts by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Archaeology Department to preserve and digitally document the region’s ancient heritage.

“Visits like these not only underscore the World Bank’s commitment to development but also shine a spotlight on Pakistan’s invaluable historical and cultural treasures,” said Dr Abdul Samad.

The World Bank President’s tour of the Juliyan Stupa emphasises the global significance of Pakistan’s archaeological sites and encourages international awareness and cooperation in preserving cultural heritage.