The ceremony, titled “A Spiritual Journey from Gandhara to ASEAN: Celebrating Shared Heritage and Religious Tourism,” highlighted the centuries-old connection between Pakistan’s Gandhara civilisation and the ASEAN region, where Buddhism has long flourished, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a press release on Saturday.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand, Rukhsana Afzaal, presented the replica to the Director General of Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, Phanomboot Chantrachoti.

Attendees included Thai officials, diplomats, UN representatives, members of civil society, academics, and media personnel.

Ambassador Afzaal highlighted the replica, crafted by Pakistani artist Jamil Kakar, as a testament to Pakistan’s Gandhara legacy, centred in ancient Taxila, and its role in Buddhist civilisation.

She underscored its significance in strengthening Pakistan-Thailand friendship and promoting cultural exchanges under Pakistan’s long-standing ASEAN partnership.

Most Venerable Anil Sakya described the event as a spiritual reconnection, with the Fasting Buddha symbolising wisdom and balance.

Director General Chantrachoti expressed gratitude, calling the gift a symbol of enduring diplomatic and cultural ties, reflecting the shared Gandharan and Buddhist heritage.

He emphasised its potential to foster collaboration through exhibitions and cultural initiatives.

Dr Nadeem Omar Tarrar, Executive Director of the Centre for Cultural Development in Islamabad, also emphasised the sculpture’s spiritual and artistic significance, blending Greco-Roman and Gandharan styles, and its potential to enhance Pakistan-Southeast Asia ties.

The ceremony featured a photographic exhibition of Gandhara artefacts and Buddhist sites in Pakistan by renowned photographer David Chi Lau.

Pakistan, a sectoral dialogue partner of ASEAN for over three decades, continues to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties, with this gesture reinforcing cultural connections and people-to-people exchanges.