ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a symposium on Tuesday highlighted the strong ties between Pakistan and South Korea, particularly in the realm of cultural heritage conservation, emphasizing their shared historical connection through Buddhism.
The event, titled “Digital Transformation of Cultural Heritage Conservation and Management in Pakistan,” took place at a local hotel and showcased the ongoing collaboration between the two nations since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983.
Participants noted that both countries have actively engaged in archaeological initiatives aimed at celebrating and preserving their rich cultural legacies. Scholars and professionals have exchanged visits, enriching their knowledge and expertise in cultural heritage.
Significant milestones in the partnership include the exhibitions of Gandhara Art held in Korea in 2000 and 2017, as well as archaeological research conducted by Dongguk Buddhist University in the Taxila Valley in 2004.
Hassan Nasir Jamy, Secretary of National Heritage and Culture, served as the Chief Guest and remarked that the symposium exemplified the enduring partnership between South Korea and Pakistan in cultural heritage preservation. “By leveraging digital technologies, we can safeguard our shared legacies for future generations,” he stated.
Currently, a five-year Official Development Assistance (ODA) project from South Korea is underway to promote the activities of the Research Center, focusing on the establishment of the Gandhara Archaeological Research Center at the Department of Archaeology and Museums in Islamabad, initiated in 2021. This project includes the development of a research center for the digital documentation of Buddhist heritage sites and a conservation laboratory for treating museum artifacts.
The symposium aimed to introduce digitization techniques for the preservation and promotion of Pakistan’s cultural heritage. Nine national and international experts, including five from Pakistan, three from Korea, and one from Germany, presented their research and shared experiences with over 100 attendees, including conservators, archaeologists, and students.
Speakers at the event included H.E. Mr. Park Kijun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan; Jeonghee, Director General of the Korea Heritage Agency; Antony Kar Hung Tam, Head of the UNESCO Office in Islamabad; and Dr. Abdul Azeem, Director General of the Department of Archaeology and Museums, all emphasizing the need to further expand cooperation.
The symposium was jointly organized by the Korea Heritage Agency (KHA) and the National Heritage and Culture Division, Department of Archaeology and Museums.
