World Bank President Ajay Banga visits key Sikh & Buddhist sites in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Here’s why

World Bank President Ajay Banga visited Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal and an archaeological site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to official statements released on Sunday. The visit included meetings with provincial and federal officials and focused on cultural sites and regional economic matters.

Ajay Banga Visits Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal

During his visit to Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Ajay Banga offered prayers and ate at the langar khana (community kitchen). He was accompanied by Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, as per a press note.

Officials said the visit was part of Banga’s itinerary during his stay in Pakistan.

World Bank President Explores Jaulian Buddhist Archaeological Site

Ajay Banga also visited the Jaulian Buddhist archaeological site near Khanpur in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The site dates back to the Gandhara period and is considered an important historical location.

KP Archaeology Director General Abdul Samad briefed Banga on the archaeological significance of the site and ongoing conservation-related work.

Meetings With KP Officials on Economic Affairs

Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Finance, Muzzammil Aslam, met Ajay Banga during the visit. Discussions reportedly covered economic issues related to the province.

MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur and other officials were present. Aslam presented a shield to the World Bank president during the meeting.

Federal and Provincial Leaders Accompany World Bank Chief

According to officials, Ajay Banga was accompanied by his spouse and senior World Bank officials. Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also participated in parts of the visit.

Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said the visit would have significance for religious tourism. He added that renovation work at certain historical religious sites is currently underway under provincial directives.

Visit Includes Cultural and Religious Sites

Officials stated that Ajay Banga was invited to visit additional archaeological and historical locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during future visits.

The World Bank has not released a separate statement detailing the outcomes of the visit.

Inputs from PTI