Buddhism in Pakistan Origin, history, development and significant

facts and figures

Buddhism, one of the oldest religions, has a history in Pakistan. It came from ancient
India and thrived in places like Pakistan for a long time before Islam arrived. A king
named Ashoka introduced Buddhism in Pakistan around 2,000 years ago. Today,
there aren't many Buddhists in Pakistan, but historically, there were more. The only
Buddhist temple in Pakistan is in Islamabad and is used by diplomats from countries
like Sri Lanka.

There's evidence of Buddhism's history in Pakistan, like a temple in the Swat Valley
from around 2,500 years ago. A type of Buddhism called Mahayana Buddhism
started in Pakistan. Even though there aren't many Buddhists now, Pakistan was
important for Buddhist art and sculpture.

Buddhism in Pakistan goes back to the time of Buddha, who lived around 2,500 years
ago. He traveled to places like present-day Pakistan. After Buddha passed away, his
teachings were passed down and written as sutras, spreading Buddhism.

Buddhism was strong during the time of the Mauryan Empire, which ruled a big part
of the Indian subcontinent from around 2,300 to 2,100 years ago. Ashoka, a king
from that time, was a Buddhist and spread Buddhism in places like Pakistan.

Overall, Buddhism has a deep history in Pakistan, even though there aren't many
Buddhists there today.

Gandhara Buddhism (KPK Region)Demographics of Buddhism in

Pakistan
Gandhara Buddhism is a unique form that emerged in Pakistan's KPK region during
the 1st century BCE, influenced by Greek and Indian cultures. This style spread
through art and architecture, seen in iconic Buddha statues in Afghanistan and Taxila
Museum. It combined Greek and Indian elements with Buddhist themes. The
philosophy of Gandhara Buddhism was impactful too. It reached its peak in the
Kushan Empire (1st-5th centuries CE), centered around Peshawar. Gandhara's
crossroads location facilitated cultural exchange and trade, influencing Buddhism
and even later Hinduism. Notable sites include Takht-i-Bahi, a UNESCO-listed
monastic complex, and Swat Valley, known for stupas and monasteries dating back
to 2nd century BCE. Oddiyana in Swat played a role in spreading Vajrayana Buddhism,
with figures like Padmasambhava and Garab Dorje associated. Taxila, a historical
learning center, showcases ancient Buddhist ruins, illuminating the region's Buddhist
heritage.

Buddhism's historical presence in various regions of present-day Pakistan has left a

rich legacy. In Punjab, sites like Taxila reveal a history of Buddhist temples and stupas,
with renowned figures like Bhadda Kapilani associated. Taxila flourished as a center
for learning, art, and Buddhism for over a millennium.
In Sindh, sites like Mohenjo-daro's stupa and others exist, though poorly maintained.
Baluchistan has the Godrani caves and evidence of Buddhist influence in the past.
In Gilgit Baltistan, Buddhism took root in the 2nd century BCE, with sites like Shatial
Stupa and Holy Rock of Hunza showcasing its influence.
While many regions have historical sites, the shift to Islam reduced Buddhism's
contemporary presence, leaving a legacy of archaeological importance.

Demographics of Buddhism in Pakistan

Buddhism in Pakistan holds diverse demographics, drawing followers from various
backgrounds and regions. Gilgit-Baltistan stands out as a significant hub, once part of
ancient Buddhist kingdoms along the Silk Road. Buddhist temples and monasteries in
this region continue to attract local and international pilgrims. Swat Valley, Taxila,
and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also have notable Buddhist populations. The community
isn't confined to specific ethnic or social groups and transcends national boundaries.

The exact number of Pakistani Buddhists remains uncertain. A notable concentration

exists in Azad Kashmir, with the Nurbakhshi sect practicing certain aspects of
Buddhism. In 2012, around 1,492 Buddhists held national identity cards, rising to
1,884 in 2017. Concentrated in Punjab and Sindh, these numbers could potentially
exceed 16,000 when accounting for Baori Buddhists without CNIC cards. Baori
Buddhists reside on the fringes of Mandi Yazman and Rahimyar Khan in Punjab,
having established colonies across various villages.

Tridev Roy, a Chakma leader, advocated for Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh
Liberation War and later led the "Pakistan Buddhist Society." Lala Rajoo Raam
represents the Baori Buddhist community and serves as a counselor for Union
Council number 88, Chak number 75 DB, having contested elections for the Punjab
legislature multiple times.

The Buddhist community in Pakistan faces several challenges that threaten its
existence and cultural heritage:

1. Discrimination and Persecution: Buddhists in areas like Sindh Province and the
Rohi region of South Punjab are at risk of prejudice, physical abuse, and property
damage. The exact number of Buddhists is often unclear, and some have
experienced discrimination due to their religious beliefs.

2. Economic and Social Marginalization: Lack of computerized national identity

cards (CNICs) has deprived many Buddhists of citizens' rights, hindering their access
to various opportunities. Political parties are hesitant to propose non-Muslim
candidates for general seats, reflecting the growing religious intolerance in Pakistan.
3. Destruction of Buddhist Sites and Artifacts: Buddhist archaeological sites and
relics played a role in Pakistan's nation-building during the 1950s and 1960s.
However, these artifacts are at risk due to vandalism, looting, and smuggling. The
rise of the Pakistani Taliban in the early 2000s led to systematic destruction of
Buddhist artifacts in the Gandhara region.

4. Security Concerns: The threats from the Taliban and land mafias have harmed
ancient monuments. Despite efforts by the provincial administration to protect sites
through museums and regulations, challenges persist due to government negligence
and a lack of historical awareness.

5. Infrastructure Projects: Infrastructure projects, such as the Chinese-funded

Diamer-Bhasha dam, jeopardize Buddhist heritage. The dam project could destroy
thousands of Buddhist carvings and scriptures in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

6. Recent Attacks: Recent attacks on Buddhist artifacts include the demolition of a

1,700-year-old statue in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2020 and attacks on a rock carving
of a seated Buddha in northwestern Pakistan. These incidents parallel the
destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan and highlight ongoing threats to
Buddhist heritage.

7. Religious Fanaticism: Instances of Buddhist artifacts' destruction, vandalism, and

even support for such actions are seen due to a belief that idolatry contradicts
Islamic principles. This has led to the demolition of ancient carvings, sculptures, and
statues, which are crucial to Pakistan's historical heritage.

8. Economic Impact: These acts of destruction have negatively affected Pakistan's

tourism industry. The country's designation as a hotspot for terrorist activity has
reduced tourist traffic and earnings. The demolition of religious structures has
strained diplomatic relations, particularly with Buddhist-majority countries like Sri
Lanka.

9. Preservation Efforts: Despite global appeals for protection of Buddhist heritage,

the Pakistani government's efforts have been insufficient. Neglect, illegal excavation,
and smuggling have taken a toll on historically significant sites, while infrastructure
projects like the Diamer-Bhasha dam threaten to destroy thousands of carvings and
scriptures.

10. Education and Awareness: The lack of education about the significance of
Buddhist heritage and principles has contributed to the destruction of artifacts and
historical sites. Local communities may believe that destroying relics of Buddhism is
fulfilling a religious obligation, without understanding the value of preserving
cultural heritage.

11. Encroachment and Construction: Encroachment and construction near historical

sites, despite regulations prohibiting it, have damaged or obliterated valuable
archaeological remnants. The lack of proper enforcement has allowed these
encroachments to persist.

12. Islamization: The trend of renaming historical sites with Islamic names reflects a
broader pattern of Islamization, where many aspects of culture and history are given
Islamic interpretations. This erases the rich pre-Islamic history of the region.

13. Unavailability of Religious Places: The absence of proper religious spaces like
temples and stupas hampers the practice and preservation of Buddhism. Practicing
Buddhists often have to resort to performing rituals and ceremonies at home due to
the lack of designated places.

14. Miscellaneous Issues: Minorities in Pakistan, including Buddhists, face a range of

challenges, such as religious sectarianism, forced conversions, inadequate places of
worship, biased education curriculum, and discriminatory job quotas. This points to a
broader issue of religious freedom and rights for all minority groups in the country.

Efforts are needed to address these challenges, raising awareness about the
importance of cultural heritage, fostering religious tolerance, and providing proper
spaces and resources for practicing Buddhism and preserving its historical artifacts.

The efforts being made to promote and preserve Buddhist heritage in Pakistan are
diverse and multifaceted:

1. Advocacy and Awareness-Raising: Collaborative efforts between the Punjab

provincial administration and UNESCO have led to exhibitions that raise awareness
about the challenges faced by minorities, including Buddhists, in Pakistan. These
exhibitions aim to promote interfaith harmony, tolerance, and tourism.

2. Historical Research and Collaboration: Researchers are actively studying

Pakistan's Buddhist history and its interactions with other countries. Collaborative
projects involving Italian archaeological missions, Pakistani archaeologists, and
scholars from Southeast Asia and Italy are shedding light on the significance of
Buddhist artifacts and their cultural ties.

3. Ties with Buddhist Nations: Pakistan is leveraging its Buddhist heritage to

establish ties with Buddhist nations like Sri Lanka. The exchange of artifacts, cultural
events, and collaborations in the field of Buddhist studies help strengthen
relationships and promote understanding.

4. Community Organizing and Empowerment: Pakistan is making efforts to attract

visitors from Buddhist-majority countries like Thailand by emphasizing its Buddhist
roots. This involves diplomatic, economic, and tourism initiatives to increase bilateral
tourism and cultural exchanges.

5. Preservation and Restoration: The establishment of the Gandharan and Buddhist

Studies Centre in Taxila aims to resurrect the spirit of the historic University of Taxila
by offering courses in Pali and Sanskrit. Collaborations with countries like Sri Lanka,
which have expertise in Buddhist studies, can aid in the preservation and study of
Buddhist relics.

6. International Exhibitions: Collaborations and exhibitions on Gandharan art in

countries like the United States help showcase Pakistan's rich cultural heritage to a
global audience and promote understanding of its historical significance.

The decline of Buddhism in Pakistan can be attributed to several factors.

1. Islamic Invasions: One of the primary reasons for the decline of Buddhism in
Pakistan was the Islamic invasions in the region. Starting from the 8th century, the
Arab armies began invading the Indian subcontinent, including present-day Pakistan.
These invasions resulted in the destruction of Buddhist monasteries, temples, and
artifacts, and led to the conversion of a significant portion of the population to Islam.

2. Cultural and Religious Shifts: The spread of Islam brought about significant
cultural and religious shifts in the region. As Islam became the dominant religion, the
indigenous population gradually adopted Islamic practices and customs, leading to a
decline in the popularity and adherence to Buddhism.

3. Political and Social Changes: The decline of Buddhism in Pakistan can also be
attributed to political and social changes that occurred over time. With the
establishment of Muslim dynasties and empires, such as the Delhi Sultanate and the
Mughal Empire, Buddhism lost its royal patronage and faced marginalization. The
ruling elites and the general population embraced Islam, which further marginalized
Buddhism.

4. Lack of Preservation Efforts: The preservation and maintenance of Buddhist sites

and artifacts were not given sufficient attention in Pakistan over the centuries. This
lack of preservation efforts led to the deterioration and destruction of many
Buddhist monuments and archaeological sites. The neglect of these sites contributed
to a decline in awareness and interest in Buddhism among the local population.

5. Migration and Displacement: Over the centuries, there have been movements of
populations in the region, including migrations and displacements. These population
movements, along with the cultural and religious shifts mentioned earlier, resulted
in a gradual decline in the number of Buddhists residing in Pakistan

The revival of Buddhism in Pakistan can be attributed to several factors:

1. Preservation Efforts: Increased efforts to preserve and restore Buddhist

archaeological sites and artifacts in Pakistan have played a crucial role in the revival
of Buddhism. These initiatives have helped raise awareness about the country's
Buddhist heritage and attract tourists and scholars interested in exploring Buddhist
history.

2. International Collaborations: Collaborations with countries that have a significant

Buddhist population, such as Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, Singapore, and South Korea,
have been instrumental in promoting Pakistan's Buddhist heritage. These
partnerships involve the exchange of relics, exhibitions, conferences, and cultural
linkages, which contribute to the revival of Buddhism in Pakistan.

3. Tourism and Cultural Exchange: The promotion of Buddhist sites as tourist

destinations and the organization of cultural exchange programs have helped revive
interest in Buddhism. The growth of tourism in Pakistan, combined with the focus on
Buddhist heritage, has attracted visitors from around the world, including Buddhists
seeking to explore their religious and historical roots.

4. Academic Research and Scholarly Interest: Increased academic research,

archaeological studies, and scholarly interest in Pakistan's Buddhist history have
contributed to the revival of Buddhism. The exploration of ancient Buddhist texts,
archaeological excavations, and the dissemination of knowledge about Buddhism
have helped revitalize interest in the religion among scholars and the general public