Turkmen Ambassador Highlights Taxila’s Gandhara Heritage and Legacy of Peaceful Coexistence

Taxila, The Gulf Observer: The annual Orange Festival was held on February 7 at the renowned Zaildar House complex in the historic city of Taxila, bringing together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and representatives of civil society.

The event was organized by Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the Islamabad High Court Bar Association, in cooperation with the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Pakistan, acting in its capacity as the Office of the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, and the Office of the Dean of the Corps of Military Attachés (COSA).

The Chief Guest of the festival, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, along with the organizers, underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding among nations, promoting people-to-people contacts, and expanding international cooperation.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan highlighted the historical significance of Taxila as one of the major centers of the ancient Gandhara civilization, where diverse religions and cultures coexisted peacefully. He emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditions of peaceful dialogue passed down through generations over thousands of years.

Hosted at the traditionally hospitable Zaildar House, the cultural program offered foreign diplomats and their families an opportunity to experience local customs and traditions. Activities included presentations of national cuisine, black stone carving art, demonstration performances featuring elements of traditional horse dances, and stone-lifting competitions—one of the region’s indigenous sports.

Special attention during the festival was given to the “Khanpur” variety of oranges, a regional hallmark that drew particular interest from international guests, including families with children, adding a distinctive local flavor to the cultural celebrations.