Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar says Pakistan is committed to preserve Buddhists heritage and encourage joint efforts to protect historical sites.

Addressing the ceremony in Islamabad today, he said that Pakistan is a proud custodian of several significant Buddhist sites located in Gandhara, Taxila, Swat valley and Takht Bhai.

The Deputy Prime Minister said these sites were once the thriving centers of Buddhists scholarships which attracted the monks and played a pivotal role in the dissemination of Buddhist teachings across Asia.

He called for building stronger bond of friendship with predominantly Buddhists states by fostering cultural exchange programme, religious tourism and educational collaborations.

Ishaq Dar also urged to take joint stand against the forces of intolerance, violence and hatred and emphasized to establish a joint forum in this regard.