Gold plated, bullet-proof showcase to display Buddha relic inaugurated in Taxila.

TAXILA -- Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan Chakkrid Krachaiwon on Tuesday formally inaugurated a gold plated gallery with bullet-proof glasses to display the holy bone relics of Lord Buddha at Taxila Museum on Tuesday.

The showcase equipped with multi-layer security and safety features for better safety and security of the unique and holy relics of Buddha were gifted and installed by the Thai government.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Krachaiwon said the installation marked the 71 years of Thai-Pakistan diplomatic relations.

He said the container in which the holy relics were preserved was designed as a symbol of good will and long-lasting diplomatic and cordial relations between two friendly countries who have many similarities in culture.

'This gallery is a symbol of interfaith harmony between different faiths and culture,' he said, adding that holy relics have their own significance and importance in Buddhism.

Mr Krachaiwon said alongside diplomatic, economic and trade relations, there were prospects of enhanced and better relations in the field of cultural relations and both governments should explore the potential of religious tourism in Pakistan.

'This showcase project aims to promote and showcase Pakistan's heritage to the world which will attract tourists from Thailand and across the world to visit Pakistan and visit sacred and holy worship places and sculptures,' the envoy added.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Additional Secretary Asia and Pacific Mumtaz Zahra Baloch who was chief guest on this occasion said that Thailand and Pakistan's relations are deep rooted and the gallery presentation along with the visit of Chief Buddhist monk of Sangha Supreme Council of Thailand Most Venerable Arayawangso and his disciples to Pakistan is proof of the fact that along with diplomatic relations, cultural relations are on the fast track and we see more prospects of the enhancing relations especially in the area of religious tourism.

She said that this showcase is a symbol of love, harmony and friendship between Pakistan and Thailand.

She said that Pakistan is a cradle of Gandhara civilisation and various holy places of Buddhists like...