www.zeenews.com, October 31, 2006

Islamabad, Pakistan -- Pakistan on Tuesday said that although it is predominantly a Muslim country it viewed itself as trustee to upkeep and conserves its rich heritage of Buddhism and spared no effort to preserve it.

"Although Pakistan is a predominantly Muslim country but under the constitution all faiths are free to practice their religion," Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz told a delegation of Japanese Buddhists, led by Shodo Yoshid, chief priest of Kenchoji temple, Tokyo.

Aziz said Pakistan has rich Buddha and Gandhara heritage and civilization in Taxila, Takhtbhai and some other unexplored sites. Swat and northern areas of Pakistan are also rich in heritage, he said.

Surrounded by south East Asia, China and the Middle East, "we have a role to promote peace, harmony and inter-faith relations," he said.

He said all religions and faiths have to work for peace, harmony and tolerance for developing a global citizenry with trusted bonds.

Aziz also referred to the last year's presentation of the replica of fasting Buddha by Pakistan to Japan and said the masterpiece along with some other artifacts of Buddha and Gandhara civilizations are well displayed at Lahore museum.

Bureau Report