A new chapter in cultural diplomacy unfolded Thursday as Pakistan and South Korea unveiled the Digital Immersive Gallery at Islamabad Museum, a cutting-edge showcase of Gandhara’s Buddhist heritage brought vividly to life through technology.
Funded by the Korea Heritage Service under a five-year Official Development Assistance project, the gallery forms part of a broader initiative to promote Pakistan’s archaeological treasures and strengthen heritage management. The project, titled “Development of Cultural Promotion and Tourism Resources of Gandhara Heritage of Pakistan,” reflects growing international interest in the region’s Buddhist legacy.
At the heart of the gallery lies a digital tribute to Gandhara’s role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia. Interactive 3D projections allow visitors to animate renderings of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas with a wave of the hand, while immersive storytelling retraces the journeys of Korean monks who once travelled to the region in search of the Dharma.
The gallery also features Pakistan’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering a seamless historical arc from the Indus Valley to Mughal Lahore. Addressing the ceremony, the State Minister praised South Korea’s contribution, calling the gallery “a bridge between past and present” and a symbol of deepening cultural ties.
Beyond the gallery, the ODA project has delivered tangible results: Pakistan’s first Conservation and Analysis Laboratory for inorganic antiquities, an Archaeological Research Centre equipped with drones and 3D modelling tools, and pilot excavations at Mankiala Stupa—all aimed at training the next generation of archaeologists.
Looking ahead, the Republic of Korea has approved a second phase (2026–2030), which includes the creation of the Pakistan Institute of Cultural Heritage Training and Research in Islamabad. This permanent facility will serve as a hub for international collaboration and heritage education.
As guests toured the gallery, the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern innovation offered a glimpse into how digital storytelling can preserve and promote cultural identity—one pixel at a time.
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