CCLS Talk Series 2024| Webinar| Bridging Nations: China-Pakistan Collaboration in Buddhist Tourism

What an unforgettable session for the CCLS Talk Series 2024! We had the privilege of hosting Dr. Nadeem Omar Tarar, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Texas, USA, renowned for his expertise in Gandhara cultural heritage studies and his dedication to preserving Buddhist heritage in Pakistan. Dr. Tarar shared his profound insights on "Bridging Nations: China-Pakistan Collaboration in Buddhist Tourism."

His extensive experience in cultural anthropology, art history, and heritage preservation provided a captivating discussion on the intersection of China-Pakistan collaboration in Buddhist tourism, highlighting the significance of cultural diplomacy and addressing the challenges and opportunities of Gandhara heritage tourism in Pakistan.
Dr. Tarar's talk emphasized the critical importance of China's support in Buddhist religious tourism and the economic potential of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship program of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Furthermore, he discussed the transformative impact of strategic partnerships and infrastructure development in unlocking Pakistan's rich Buddhist heritage, ultimately positioning the country as a prominent player in the global landscape of heritage tourism.

Additionally, he delved into what Pakistan should do to become a potential partner in Buddhist diplomacy, such as creating promotional materials, and leveraging CPEC to attract Chinese tourism. Dr. Tarar highlighted Pakistan's geographical advantage, suggesting that Gilgit-Baltistan should become the forefront for Chinese tourists to drive into and explore Pakistan, making it a pivotal step in promoting Buddhist tourism. We deeply value your participation and eagerly anticipate more enlightening discussions in the future!