ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan is officially hosting the Third International Conference on the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan to showcase the global legacy of the ancient Gandhara civilization. The high-profile academic summit begins today, May 18, 2026, in Islamabad, bringing together global scholars to promote regional cultural preservation.

The highly anticipated event features more than 36 distinguished speakers and researchers from across the globe. Prominent international figures include Venerable Jue Cheng, Chief Abbess of Fo Guang Shan Malaysia, Indonesia & Singapore, alongside globally renowned US scholar Prof. Richard Salomon, who will present his 30-year research on Gandhari Buddhist manuscripts online.

The event is jointly organized by the Humanistic Buddhist Research Centres (HBRCs) at Quaid‑i‑Azam University Islamabad and Universiti Malaya. Other key partners include the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC).

New Multidisciplinary Research on the Gandhara Civilization

This year's conference is themed “Exploring the Buddhist Heritage of Pakistan through Multidisciplinary Research.” It aims to reinforce Pakistan's historic role as the true heart of the ancient Gandhara civilization, which served as one of the most influential cultural crossroads in Buddhist history.

The academic sessions will be hosted at the Taxila Institute of Archaeology and Civilizations (TIAC) at Quaid‑i‑Azam University from May 19–20, 2026. Following the lectures, international delegates will participate in curated field visits to historic holy sites through May 23, 2026.

Leadership Highlights Pakistan's Cultural Diplomacy

"Quaid-i-Azam University is actively contributing to the promotion of Gandhara cultural heritage through this vital series of conferences," stated Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Acting Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University.

Prof. Dr. Ghani ur Rahman, Director of HBRC, noted that the conference series has seen an overwhelming surge in interest since its inception in 2022. Organizers credit this growth to robust collaborations with international groups like Fo Guang Shan Malaysia and local entities like the Silk Road Centre.

The summit marks a major milestone for Pakistan's cultural diplomacy, securing its position as a critical hub for safeguarding ancient Asian history for future generations.