Written by: Ayesha Amir
Posted on: May 24, 2024 | 
| 中文
塔克西拉修道院的全景
The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL) at LUMS hosted an insightful webinar titled "Bridging Nations: China-Pakistan Collaboration in Buddhist Tourism". Dr. Nadeem Omar Tarar was the guest speaker and the session was moderated by Dr. Uzair Kiyani. Many people, including the students and faculty of LUMS attended this talk, and Dr. Safdar Ali Shah, the Director General for CPEC HEC, was also present and made interesting contributions during the Q&A session.
Dr. Nadeem Omar Tarar
This event discussed the diplomatic relations of China and Pakistan. Very interestingly, Dr. Tarar pointed out the significance of the webinar being held on the 21st of May, a date that coincides both with the formal initiation of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations in 1951, and also the celebration of Vesak, a celebratory Buddhist festival marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha. This historical overlap set the stage for a discussion on the paradoxical, yet profound, relationship between Pakistan and China, highlighting their unique collaboration in Buddhist tourism.
Dr. Nadeem Omar Tarar (center) at the Vesak Festival held in 2019 in Taxila
The paradox lies in the ideological contrasts between the two nations. Pakistan, a leading Islamic republic since 1947, has historically aligned with Western military alliances, whereas China, a communist state, emerged as a close ally of Pakistan, despite ideological differences. This unusual partnership, Dr. Tarar pointed out, is caused by a mutual recognition of each other’s strategic and cultural significance.
A map of the Silk Road
A critical aspect of this collaboration is the shared Buddhist heritage that dates back to the ancient Gandhara civilization, a region that once spanned parts of modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan. Gandhara upheld Buddhist art, culture and philosophy, and served as a point for the transmission of Buddhism from South Asia to China via the Silk Road. Dr. Tarar elaborated on how Gandhara’s rich historical tapestry includes significant contributions to Buddhist literature and philosophy, with notable figures like the monks Asanga and Vasubandhu, and the translator Kumarajiva, who played crucial roles in the spread of Buddhism to China. This resurgence of Buddhist ethos in China has been strategically embraced by the Chinese government as part of its cultural diplomacy. Under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, China has recognized the potential of Buddhism as a tool for soft power, fostering cultural ties and promoting international tourism. The revival is marked by significant investments in Buddhist sites and the organization of international Buddhist forums, positioning China as a leading hub for Buddhist tourism.
The spread of Buddhism shown in map
For Pakistan, this presents an unprecedented opportunity to leverage its Gandhara heritage. Dr. Tarar emphasized the potential economic benefits of attracting Chinese Buddhist tourists in Pakistan. Pakistan has an array of Buddhist archaeological sites, such as the ancient cities of Taxila, Peshawar and Swat, which can serve as major attractions for both visiting and religious tourists. However, the path to realizing this potential in developing religious tourism for Buddhists comes with challenges. Dr. Tarar noted that despite the historical and cultural significance of these sites, they have been largely marginalized in Pakistan’s national narrative, overshadowed by the predominantly Islamic identity of the country. Furthermore, the lack of infrastructure, security concerns and limited promotion of these heritage sites pose significant barriers to developing a robust Buddhist tourism sector. To address these challenges, Dr. Tarar proposed a multi-faceted approach. First, there needs to be an effort to preserve and promote Gandhara’s Buddhist heritage through international collaborations, leveraging platforms like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The development of tourism infrastructure, including better accessibility, hospitality services and security, is crucial. Additionally, promoting academic and cultural exchanges between Pakistani and Chinese institutions can enhance mutual understanding and appreciation of this shared heritage.
The ancient Silk Road in Hunza Nagar, Gilgit Baltistan
Dr. Tarar also highlighted the role of technology and media in promoting Buddhist tourism. Digital platforms can be utilized to create virtual tours and educational content about Gandhara’s heritage, reaching a global audience and promoting tourism. Collaborative efforts with Chinese media and tourism agencies can amplify these promotional activities, which can give Pakistan the opportunity to tap into China’s vast tourist market.
The webinar thus highlighted the potential of Buddhist tourism that Pakistan holds as a means of cultural diplomacy, and the economic development that it can leverage. The historical ties between Pakistan and China, rooted in their shared Buddhist heritage, offer a unique avenue for strengthening bilateral relations and promoting regional peace and harmony. By investing in the preservation and promotion of Gandhara’s legacy, Pakistan can not only attract international tourists but also foster a greater appreciation of its rich cultural diversity. As Dr. Tarar eloquently argued, the collaboration between Pakistan and China in Buddhist tourism is not merely a matter of economic interest, but a profound opportunity to bridge cultures, promote mutual respect and contribute to a more harmonious community. This webinar, therefore, served as a call to action for policymakers, academics and cultural enthusiasts to recognize and harness the power of this unique cultural and historical bond.
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