Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan and Sri Lanka have reached a fresh agreement to deepen cultural engagement by promoting religious tourism and joint heritage initiatives, government officials said on Tuesday.
The understanding was reached in Islamabad during talks between Pakistan’s National Heritage and Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and Sri Lankan Ambassador Rear Admiral (retired) Fred Seneviratne, with both sides emphasizing the role of cultural exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.
Under the agreement, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will collaborate to encourage religious and cultural tours that showcase the rich tapestry of faith traditions in Pakistan.
The country is home to an array of sacred sites important to multiple religions, including Islamic shrines, Hindu temples, Sikh gurdwaras and Buddhist heritage locations.
Officials said the initiative is designed to attract more visitors from Sri Lanka and beyond, tapping into the growing interest in spiritual tourism across South Asia.
Minister Khichi highlighted that fostering “people-to-people contact through religious tourism” can act as a meaningful conduit for cultural communication and mutual understanding.
To facilitate this, tourism authorities plan to engage reputable tour operators from both nations to organize curated groups and heritage-focused travel experiences.
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Discussions also touched on using digital tools such as virtual tours, enabling international audiences to explore key Buddhist sites in Pakistan from afar.
The Sri Lankan envoy expressed keen interest in the architectural and cultural treasures preserved in Pakistani museums, notably in historic centers such as Taxila and Lahore.
These cities, with their deep historical roots and archaeological significance, offer a window into centuries of cultural and religious intermingling, reflecting shared South Asian heritage that cuts across modern national boundaries.
Both countries agreed to extend cooperation beyond tourism by planning joint cultural exhibitions, art displays and heritage programs.
These events are expected to provide platforms for artists, craftsmen and cultural institutions from both nations to present their work, reinforcing cultural bonds and enhancing mutual appreciation.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have long-standing diplomatic relations and have cooperated on various fronts, from trade and education to disaster relief.
Most recently, Pakistan extended assistance to Sri Lanka with relief aid and rescue personnel in response to severe flooding that affected parts of the island nation, highlighting the resilience of bilateral support mechanisms.
