International Buddhit Conference at Moen Jo Daro in November

The federal ministry of tourism has planned an International Buddhist conference in November this year to highlight the history of the region with special focus on Moenjodaro Federal Secretary of Tourism Shahzad Qaisar Sindhu stated this while talking to journalists during his visit to Moenjodaro here on Friday.He said in past this huge archaeological site had been ignored. While drawing similarities between the Indus Civilisation and the Gandhara Civilisation he said that it should be introduced on wider level to attract tourists especially from Japan and Korea. He said a group of 100 tourists from across the world would visit Moenjodaro during the Buddhist conference where he said a motel that lacked facilities would be upgraded.

He announced a grant of Rs1 million for meeting the urgent needs of the motel. He admitted that the separation of culture and tourism departments at federal level had affected the development projects despite similarities in the nature of their jobs.

He, however, stressed the need of coordinated efforts to bridge this gap. In reply to a question regarding the second phase of Moenjodaro Master Plan he said he would contact the secretary culture in Islamabad and would also contact PIA for making efforts to increase flights to Moenjodaro to provide easy access to the international tourists to visit the place.

He said that the National Bank of Pakistan would reopen its branch at Moenjodaro with foreign exchange counter. On the occasion he announced confirming three employees of motel in services.