Taking a stand for our non-Islamic heritage
Pakistan is belatedly demonstrating its interest in preserving and showcasing its non-Islamic heritage. The development of the Gandhara Trail is a step in this direction. A delegation of 40 high-ranking Sri Lankan Buddhist monks and scholars, led by Parliament Speaker Karu Jayasuriya is currently in Pakistan to visit Buddhist sites at the invitation of the government. Pakistan has numerous sites revered by followers of the Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh religions. Many of these have suffered decay on account of neglect or have been misappropriated or vandalized. Successive governments have looked after prominent Sikh temples only for reasons related to regional politics.
Pakistan has a rich heritage that begins with the Bronze Age Indus Valley civilization (3300–1300 BCE). The civilization became richer with the mixing up of people from various ethnic backgrounds over the centuries. A number of religions flourished here including Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism. Prominent Hindun temples include Katasraj Temple in Chakwal district, Hinglaj Mata temple in Balochistan and Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi. Buddhist sites include Takht Bahi and Mingora in KP and Taxila in Punjab. Guru Nanak (1469– 539) the founder of Sikhism was born at Rāi Bhoi Kī Talvaṇḍī, now called Nankana Sahib. There are numerous Sikh shrines including Panja Sahib near Taxila. Lahore being the capital of the Sikh empire, it has Ranjit Singh’s Marhi where the Maharaja’s post-cremation remains are preserved.
The narrative manufactured under Zia negated the relevance of the rich pre-Muslim past. According to the reactionary narrative, history was supposed to begin with the arrival of Muhammad bin Qasim. While the country seeks a new narrative to fight extremism, there is a need to embrace the entire cultural tradition from Harrappa and Mohanjodaro onward. The Hindu, Buddhist and Sikh shrines should be rehabilitated and preserved. This will help promote a more tolerant outlook in Pakistan. Besides it will improve tourism. For this there is a need to properly facelift to the sites, improve the approach roads and hoteling facilities with the help of the private sector.
