Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said that Gandhara is not just an ancient civilization but a living symbol of values of peace, tolerance, and dialogue that have flourished on Pakistan’s soil for centuries.
The Ambassador made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the cultural exhibition “Whispers of Gandhara — A Glimpse into Pakistan’s Gandhara Civilization and Buddhist Heritage,” organized by the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York and the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations.
The event was attended by distinguished diplomats from various UN missions, officials and staff of the Pakistan Mission and Consulate, senior US officials, prominent Pakistani-American community members, and business leaders.
In his address, Ambassador Asim highlighted Gandhara’s role as a unique center of Buddhist art and knowledge, where spiritual traditions harmonized with artistic expression.
He emphasized that showcasing Gandhara’s heritage is about more than highlighting a glorious past; it is about reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to preserving and promoting shared human heritage.
The exhibition featured 39 rare artifacts from the Gandhara and Indus Valley civilizations, recovered and returned to Pakistan through the efforts of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit.
These artifacts, dating from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE, included sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, narrative stone panels, ritual vessels, and mother goddess figurines, showcasing Pakistan’s rich spiritual heritage and artistic expertise.
Pakistan’s Foreign Secretary, Ms. Ayesha Baloch, in a special video message, highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to protecting its cultural heritage and thanked US authorities for their role in recovering the artifacts.
The exhibition concluded with a captivating documentary, a presentation, and a soul-stirring Qawwali performance, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees of Pakistan’s artistic grandeur and cultural continuity.