Vietnam, in a landmark step towards cultural cooperation and diplomatic goodwill, has extended a compelling proposal to Pakistan to build a stronger bond through their mutual Buddhist heritage of ancient Gandhara. At the heart of this initiative lies the aim to boost faith-based and cultural tourism, foster academic and institutional collaborations, and promote people-to-people connections between the two nations.
A Diplomatic Cultural Encounter
The proposal was presented by H.E. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Vietnam Embassy in Islamabad during a meeting with Minister for National Heritage & Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi. On the occasion, Mr. Truong Van Thang, First Secretary and Mr. Quang Pham, Second Secretary and Head of Economic and Cultural Diplomacy at the Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan were also present, according to a press release issued.
Emphasizing the historical and spiritual resonance that binds both nations, the Vietnamese envoy highlighted their country’s deep-rooted Buddhist civilization with the Gandhara heritage of Pakistan and emphasized on cultural preservation efforts jointly. The statement, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” symbolized the spirit of cooperation and shared aspirations.
Taxila to Ho Chi Minh City: A Cultural Bridge

A centerpiece of the discussion was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Pakistan’s renowned Taxila Museum and two of Vietnam’s premier cultural institutions: the Vietnam National Museum of History and the Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City. This MoU will enable traveling exhibitions, collaborative research, and professional exchanges in the realm of heritage conservation.
One such proposed exhibition, “Buddhist Art Along the Silk Road”, will feature archaeological masterpieces from both countries, offering global audiences a rare glimpse into their shared spiritual legacy and historical exchanges.
Multidimensional Partnership for Heritage Development
Beyond exhibitions, the proposed collaboration spans several layers of cultural engagement:
- Exchange Programs: Curators, archaeologists, and conservators from both nations will benefit from regular knowledge-sharing visits to improve skills in heritage preservation.
- Joint Research: A focus on Gandhara’s Buddhist art and its linkages with ancient Vietnam will lead to co-published research and educational materials.
- Buddhist Tourism Routes: Specialized tour packages will connect UNESCO heritage sites like Taxila and Takht-i-Bahi in Pakistan with prominent Vietnamese Buddhist landmarks, creating a pilgrimage circuit appealing to international travelers.
- Academic Cooperation: Programs targeting students, researchers, and the general public will explore Buddhist iconography, history, and archaeological techniques.
- Digital Promotion: Joint efforts to digitize Buddhist heritage collections and cultural sites aim to enhance their global reach and documentation.
Honorable Ambassador highlighted that this initiative would empower local communities and entrepreneurs, particularly artisans, while stimulating cross-border tourism and trade.
Pakistan Welcomes Vietnam’s Cultural Vision
Minister Khichi, visibly moved by the Vietnamese initiative, responded with equal enthusiasm. He confirmed Pakistan’s readiness to formalize the partnership, announcing that MoUs would be signed with Vietnam as a priority. Drawing from Pakistan’s existing cultural agreements with over 80 countries, he assured his counterpart, “We will move forward and let us sign MoUs.”
He also lauded Vietnam’s enduring values and traditions, affirming a mutual respect that will serve as the foundation of this deepening relationship.
Heritage and History: Pakistan’s Civilizational Legacy

Adding further context to the cultural discussions, Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division, Asad Rehman Gillani, highlighted the richness of Pakistan’s historical landscape. He referred to the prehistoric civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and particularly Gandhara, which played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia.
He emphasized the global significance of Buddhist stupas such as Takht-i-Bahi and archaeological treasures housed in Taxila, a city once considered one of the world’s oldest Buddhist learning centers.
From Mountains to Museums: Tourism as a Cultural Connector
The conversation also turned towards adventure and spiritual tourism. Minister Khichi invited Vietnamese mountaineers to explore Pakistan’s majestic highlands, including K2, the world’s second-highest peak. He assured his guests of exceptional facilities for foreign tourists.
To ensure smoother execution of initiatives, both sides agreed to designate focal persons and hold follow-up meetings. A major breakthrough in connectivity was the mutual agreement to launch direct flights between Vietnam and Islamabad, promising a new era of travel and cultural exchange.
Cultural Showcases and Community Engagement
To promote vibrant people-to-people ties, Minister Khichi invited the Vietnamese Embassy to participate in Lok Virsa, one of Pakistan’s largest cultural events. He also extended this invitation to other embassies to present their food, music, arts, and traditions—strengthening the cultural mosaic of Pakistan.
An additional proposal emerged to host a Gandhara Exhibition in collaboration with the Vietnamese mission, further building bridges between Pakistan’s Buddhist history and Vietnam’s cultural appreciation.
A Nod to Tourism Innovation: Shah Allah Ditta Caves
In the presence of Mr. Usman Shah, CEO of NiftySphere Institute, the tourism potential of Shah Allah Ditta Caves near Islamabad was also spotlighted. These ancient Buddhist meditation caves, surrounded by scenic natural landscapes, were described as a hidden gem capable of attracting thousands of tourists annually. Their integration into the Buddhist trail could significantly contribute to Pakistan’s tourism-driven economy.
A Shared Vision for Peace and Prosperity
The day’s meetings echoed the timeless wisdom: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” This quote by the Vietnamese envoy aptly summed up the collaborative spirit between Pakistan and Vietnam. The focus on Buddhist heritage is not just about exploring ancient ruins or displaying relics—it is a cultural movement rooted in mutual respect, learning, and peacebuilding.
In a region often defined by its geopolitical complexities, this cultural partnership represents a soft-power diplomacy success story. It harnesses the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to create modern pathways for tourism, academic cooperation, and economic opportunity.
As both countries now prepare to sign formal agreements, the world watches with interest. A strengthened Pakistan-Vietnam cultural alliance may become a model for intercultural connectivity in South and Southeast Asia—an example of how shared heritage can lead to shared futures.
CORRECTION:
An earlier original version of the post mentioned that the proposal was presented by H.E. Quang Pham, Second Secretary and Head of Economic and Cultural Diplomacy at the Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan.
In fact, the proposal was presented by H.E. Pham Anh Tuan, Ambassador of Vietnam Embassy in Islamabad whereas Mr. Truong Van Thang, First Secretary and Mr. Quang Pham, Second Secretary at the Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan were also present on the occasion.
The mistake has since been corrected. We sincerely apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused.

Mr. Sabahuddin Qazi is Editor-in-chief of the Press Network of Pakistan.