Islamabad: A meticulously crafted replica of the revered Fasting Buddha, an iconic Gandhara-era masterpiece dating back to the 2nd century, was formally handed over to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam's largest Buddhist temple, by Ambassador of Pakistan, Kohdayar Marri, in a landmark event symbolizing cultural and spiritual solidarity between Pakistan and Vietnam.
According to the statement issued by Foreign Office Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan, the original Fasting Siddhartha statue, discovered in Sikri, Pakistan, and housed in Lahore Museum, depicts Prince Siddhartha's profound austerity in pursuit of enlightenment. The replica, gifted by the Government of Pakistan, embodies values of discipline, resilience, and interfaith harmony.
The event commenced with sacred prayers led by the Secretary General of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, Most Venerable Thich Duc Thien, who blessed the statue at the Pakistani Embassy before its journey to Ninh Binh. At Bai Dinh Pagoda, the statue was received by Most Venerable Thich Minh Quang in a traditional Buddhist ritual, attended by senior Vietnamese officials, religious leaders, and dignitaries.
Ambassador Kohdayar Marri emphasised Pakistan's commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage and fostering intercultural dialogue. 'This gift reflects Pakistan's rich heritage, respect for all faiths and our shared vision of peace. Tolerance and respect is the essence of Islam, and such exchanges reinforce diplomacy and harmony," he stated.
Venerable Thich Minh Quang hailed the gesture as a beacon of inter-religious goodwill, promoting mutual understanding between Pakistan and Vietnam. The ceremony concluded with prayers for enduring friendship between the two nations.
Meanwhile Pakistan has also presented a meticulously crafted replica of the Fasting Buddha sculpture to Thailand.
A ceremony to this effect titled 'A Spiritual Journey from Gandhara to ASEAN: Celebrating Shared Heritage and Religious Tourism was held at the National Museum in Bangkok.
Pakistan's Ambassador to Thailand, Rukhsana Afzaal, presented the replica to Director General of Thailand's Fine Arts Department, Phanomboot Chantrachoti.
Attendees included Thai officials, diplomats, UN representatives, civil society, academics, and media.
Director General Chantrachoti expressed gratitude, noting the gift as a symbol of enduring diplomatic and cultural ties, reflecting shared Gandharan and Buddhist heritage. He emphasized its potential to foster collaboration through exhibitions and cultural initiatives.
Ambassador Rukhsana Afzaal highlighted the replica, crafted by Pakistani artist Jamil Kakar, as a testament to Pakistan's Gandhara legacy, centered in ancient Taxila, and its role in Buddhist civilization. She underscored its significance in strengthening Pakistan-Thailand friendship and promoting cultural exchanges under Pakistan's long-standing ASEAN partnership.
The ceremony featured a photographic exhibition of Gandhara artifacts and Buddhist sites in Pakistan.