Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Secretary Dr Abdul Samad briefs World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga on the historical importance and development plans of Julian Stupa in Khanpur. Photo Express
TAXILA:
World Bank President Ajay Pal Singh Banga on Sunday visited the Julian Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Khanpur, as part of his official tour of Pakistan.
Banga arrived in Pakistan on a four-day high-level visit, during which he will visit several official and cultural landmarks. Their visit began on February 1 and will continue until February 4.
During his stay, he is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, Federal Finance Minister and other senior officials. Discussions are expected to focus on economic reforms, development cooperation and regional projects.
As part of the visit, Banga also performed religious rituals at Gurdwara Sri Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, where members of the Sikh community presented him with syrup. Later, his delegation visited the ancient Buddhist archaeological site of Julian Stupa in Khanpur.
The delegation was received by Tourism Secretary Dr Abdul Samad, Hazara Commissioner, Haripur Deputy Commissioner, DIG Hazara Division, Haripur DPO, Khanpur Deputy Commissioner Syed Niaz Ali Bacha and Julian Stupa Site In-charge Raja Adnan.
Dr. Abdul Samad briefed guests on the historical importance of the Julian Stupa, explaining that it was an ancient Buddhist university and monastery dating back to the 2nd century AD.
He said the site still retains the remains of a central stupa, several smaller platforms and monastic structures, reflecting the rich heritage of the Gandhara civilization.
During the visit, the WB chief and his delegation also inspected additional sites related to geology and archeology and reviewed the ongoing efforts to preserve cultural heritage in KP.
