STAFF REPORTER
Peshawar : A delegation of persons with disabilities from different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa visited the historic archaeological site of Takht-i-Bahi under the auspices of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority. The visit was organized on the special directives of Director General Culture and Tourism Authority Shahid Khan Mehmood. The delegation was led by renowned actor Zardad Bulbul.
During the visit, the participants explored the ancient ruins of Takht-i-Bahi and observed the remains associated with Buddhist civilization. A representative of the Archaeology Department, Muazullah, briefed the delegation on the historical background of Takht-i-Bahi, Buddhist religious centers and other archaeological artifacts found at the site.
The delegation was informed that the archaeological remains of Takht-i-Bahi represent an important legacy of the Buddhist civilization and date back to as early as the first century BC. The site comprises Buddhist temples, monasteries, prayer halls and underground chambers. The archaeological complex remained an important center of Buddhist religious and scholarly activities from the first century AD to the fifth century AD.
According to experts, Takht-i-Bahi was an important center of Buddhist learning and religious activities during the height of the Gandhara civilization. Buddhism remained influential at the site for nearly five to six centuries. The archaeological remains of Takht-i-Bahi have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
During the briefing, the delegation was informed that numerous important archaeological sites associated with the Gandhara civilization and Buddhism are spread across different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With the cooperation of UNESCO, the provincial government has taken various measures for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of these historic sites. The archaeological centers at Takht-i-Bahi, Seri Bahlol and Jamal Garhi in Mardan are among the most prominent sites.
According to the Archaeology Department, Takht-i-Bahi is considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Buddhist archaeological sites and attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists every year. The provincial government is taking practical measures to promote religious and cultural tourism by highlighting the region’s rich historical heritage and improving facilities for visitors.
Renowned actor Zardad Bulbul and other members of the delegation expressed satisfaction over the global significance of Takht-i-Bahi’s historical heritage and the measures being taken for its preservation. They thanked Director General Culture and Tourism Authority Shahid Khan Mehmood for arranging the educational and tourism visit for persons with disabilities.
In his message, Zardad Bulbul said that the archaeological remains of Takht-i-Bahi are an important part of Pakistan’s rich historical heritage and have significance at the international level. He urged people to visit such historic sites, learn about the country’s cultural heritage and play their role in its preservation.
He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was taking practical steps to promote tourism and that highlighting historic destinations such as Takht-i-Bahi could further attract domestic and international tourists to the province.
