ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Imran Khan has issued a letter to the CapitalDevelopment Authority (CDA) and Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT)administration for developing the historic Buddha Caves in Shah Allah Dittaas a tourist spot.
According to details, PM has directed both CDA and ICT to collaborate withthe national history and literary heritage ministry for the restoration anddevelopment of the Buddha Caves to promote tourism.
The government is actively working to open and develop historic religioussites across the country. Recently, a 1000-year old Hindu Temple wasreopened in Sialkot. Plans to open a Gurdwara in Jhelum are also underway.
The caves, located about half an hour from Faisal Masjid, are an importantsite for the followers of Buddhism and many worshippers who visit the cavesoften complain about the neglect.
Archaeologists say that the Shah Allah Ditta caves date back to the StoneAge, while the Buddhist murals inside the cave are at least 2,500 years.The caves were used in various eras. Some of the surviving frescos depictimages of Hindu deities, while a stream in front of the caves also showsthat the site remained in the use of Hindus before partition.
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The area surrounding the caves is also rich in history. Marked on theground close to the caves is the location where Alexander arrived and wasreceived by King of Taxila Raja Ambi.
Meanwhile, the road next to the caves that lead to the main top of themountain is said to be built on the exact path followed by Pashtun emperorSher Shah Suri during his visit.
