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In Pakistan, an Islamic country with a rich cultural heritage, the preservation of Buddhist sites is a testament to the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its diverse historical legacy. Despite being a predominantly Muslim nation, Pakistan recognizes the importance of preserving the ancient Buddhist sites scattered throughout the country. Through collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and archaeological authorities, these sacred sites are meticulously conserved and protected. This preservation signifies Pakistan’s respect for religious diversity and its dedication to fostering an environment of cultural understanding and harmony. By ensuring the longevity of these Buddhist sites, Pakistan showcases its commitment to preserving its multi-faceted past for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
The Swat valley in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is famous for its scenic beauty, but a prominent Muslim personality in the valley — known as the “Buddha of Swat” — is working as a stalwart protecting the sacred Buddhist sites in the valley.
The Buddhist sites in Swat — once plagued by terrorism and bloodshed— have the potential to attract tourists from around the world.
Interview
“I was sitting in bed one night, surrounded by darkness due to a power outage, with no access to drinking water,” recalls Pervaiz Shaheen. “Someone handed me a lighter, and I began jotting down the events of the day using its torch. I documented who was killed and which village witnessed the slaughter. But these records were limited to my own village.”
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In the face of fear and terror, Pervaiz Shaheen emerged as a stalwart protector of the sacred Buddhist sites in Swat. His unwavering commitment to preserving the archaeological sites earned him the title of the “Buddha of Swat.” Shaheen believes that the popularity of the Pathans in the world is largely due to the influence of Gandhara, a civilization deeply rooted in the region.
Shaheen’s love for books is evident in his extensive library, which spans six rooms and contains thousands of volumes. However, acquiring such a vast collection was not an easy task.
Interview
“My fondness for books began in the 7th grade when I didn’t have much money. Whenever I had a few pennies, I would purchase books displayed on footpaths in the Anar Kali market. Sometimes, I would even get books for free or at a minimal cost of two or four pennies. Gradually, I started accumulating sacks of books from my visits to Lahore. When the collection grew, I faced the challenge of finding storage space. Fortunately, circumstances improved, and I was able to build a new house with a designated room for my library. It consists of 14 shelves, each dedicated to different genres such as history, novels, and dramas. However, the books I acquired after 2000 are scattered across carpets and couches, and the exact count remains unknown.”
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During the dark days of Taliban rule, Shaheen’s possessions were in jeopardy.
Interview
“One day, while sitting under the shade of a cherry tree in my yard, I was reading an interview of Indian actor Dilip Kumar in a magazine when the Taliban arrived from a neighboring house’s roof. They began vandalizing statues and tearing books apart. Upon hearing the commotion, I rushed towards the stairs, only to find militants there. I pleaded with them, humbly asking them to spare this national treasure, even if it meant sacrificing my own life. However, they responded angrily and inquired about the significant statues.”
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Shaheen’s passion for the Gandhara civilization and Buddhist relics extends beyond books. His residence features a museum filled with antiquities.
A large number of visitors from Budha follower nations do appreciate the selfless services of Pervaiz Shaheen. They feel their religious artifacts are treated respectfully by others who preserve these like Mr Shaheen. They feel respected when their religious ornaments are also respectfully treated. In Pakistan respecting other religions is a norm and is obeyed by all its citizens.
Interview
“Tens of thousands of people visit the area annually for religious tourism. The people of Sawat always welcome tourists as a guest and treat them hospitably and respectfully. Their arrival not only supports local businesses and enhances our visibility but also showcases our art, which has a history dating back at least 1600 years. Moreover, it emphasizes the continuity of culture, which never completely fades away. In the Gandhara civilization, artisans crafted Buddha statues. They created other remarkable artifacts, such as stupas, monasteries, houses, and cutlery, which continue to thrive. These artifacts provide glimpses into civilization and its culture, revealing how people lived, dressed, ate, established relationships, and formed connections. They also shed light on their educational system and, most importantly, highlight the peaceful coexistence that prevailed for 1600 years.”
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In 2007, Shaheen was devastated when the face of the Buddha statue on the region’s second-largest stone was defaced.
Interview
“The explosion was so powerful that it shook me in my bed. I turned to my wife and informed her that the militants had destroyed the statues. She responded, reminding me that even the mountainside statues were not spared, and I had filled our home with them.”
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Shaheen, 80, has distinctively served the archaeological sites in Swat in a way unmatched by public as well as private organizations.
Pervaiz Shaheen’s tireless efforts to preserve Swat’s archaeological sites will be remembered in the annals of Swat Valley’s history.
