Bangkok: Pakistan has presented a meticulously crafted replica of the Fasting Buddha sculpture to Thailand. A ceremony to this effect titled ‘A Spiritual Journey from Gandhara to ASEAN: Celebrating Shared Heritage and Religious Tourism’ was held at the National Museum in Bangkok.

According to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand, Rukhsana Afzaal, presented the replica to the Director General of Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, Phanomboot Chantrachoti. The event was attended by Thai officials, diplomats, UN representatives, civil society members, academics, and media.

Director General Chantrachoti expressed gratitude for the gift, highlighting it as a symbol of enduring diplomatic and cultural ties that reflect the shared Gandharan and Buddhist heritage between the two nations. He noted its potential to foster collaboration through exhibitions and cultural initiatives.

Ambassador Rukhsana Afzaal emphasized the significance of the replica, crafted by Pakistani artist Jamil Kakar, as a testament to Pakistan’s Gandhara legacy, centered in ancient Taxila, and its role in Buddhist civilization. She underscored its importance in strengthening the Pakistan-Thailand friendship and promoting cultural exchanges under Pakistan’s long-standing ASEAN partnership.

The ceremony also featured a photographic exhibition of Gandhara artifacts and Buddhist sites in Pakistan, showcasing the rich cultural history and heritage shared by the two countries.