Islamabad: For many children, summer vacation is more than just a break from school; it is a celebration of childhood, marked by animated cartoons, energetic cricket matches, refreshing swims and precious moments shared with family.
But for brothers Ismail Khan and Ibrahim Khan, this year’s holidays became a journey through more than two millennia of history as they discovered the timeless legacy of the Gandhara civilization at the historic Peshawar museum.
The two brothers, students of the first and third grades at a private school, had only read about founder of Bhuddism, Lord Buddha and the ancient Gandhara civilization in their textbooks.
Walking into the world lone Ghandhara art museum’s galleries, however, transformed those lessons into a living experience for the archeology lovers.
Standing before the towering statue of Lord Buddha, the brothers fell silent, gazing with curiosity at a masterpiece carved centuries ago.
The calm expression on the Buddha’s face, the delicate folds of the robe and the remarkable craftsmanship left them visibly fascinated.
“We had heard a lot about Lord Buddha, but seeing his grandeur statue with our own eyes is like a dream come true,” said young Ibrahim (8), unable to hide his excitement as he eagerly explored one gallery after another.
Accompanied by their father, the children carefully read the information panels and listened attentively as museum guides narrated the life of Prince Siddhartha from his birth and royal upbringing to his enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and his final passing.
What had once been words in a classroom suddenly became interesting stories told through stone sculptures and centuries-old relics.
Among the exhibits that captivated the brothers most was the celebrated relief depicting the birth of Prince Siddhartha.
The intricate sculpture portrays Queen Maya standing beneath a Sal tree while celestial beings welcome the newborn prince before he takes his symbolic first seven steps.
The children stood quietly before the unique artwork, absorbing every detail of a masterpiece that has survived for nearly two thousand years.
Their father believed such practical experiences provide lessons that no classroom alone can offer.
“Museums help children understand that Pakistan’s history is much older and richer than what they read in archology books. When they see these treasures with their own eyes, they develop pride in their heritage and become curious to learn more about Ghandhara art,” he said.
As schools remain closed for the summer break till August 30, museums and archaeological sites across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are witnessing an increase in family visits.
Parents are increasingly choosing educational excursions that allow children to discover Pakistan’s rich civilization heritage while escaping the routine of holidays spent indoors.
The Peshawar museum remains one of the country’s greatest cultural treasures where nearly 14,000 priceless artifacts were kept for tourists.
It possesses one of the world’s finest collections of Gandharan art which is a remarkable fusion of Greek, Persian, Central Asian and South Asian artistic traditions that emerged after Alexander the Great’s campaigns and flourished under the Kushan Empire nearly 2,000 years ago.
Furthermore, its galleries display elegant Buddha statues, Bodhisattvas, narrative reliefs, coins, manuscripts, jewelry and archaeological discoveries that continue to attract students, historians, researchers, pilgrims and international visitors eager to explore one of the world’s most distinctive artistic traditions.
Director General of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Department of Archeology and Museums, Dr Abdul Samad Khan, said Pakistan possesses an extraordinary archaeological wealth, with UNESCO World heritage sites including Mohenjodaro, Taxila, Makli Necropolis, Rohtas Fort, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, Baltit Fort, and Takht-i-Bahi Mardan among its most celebrated landmarks.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone is home to more than 2,000 archaeological and religious heritage sites besides around 30,000 relics of the Gandhara civilization, making the province the heartland of ancient Buddhist heritage in South Asia.
“UNESCO sites such as Takht-i-Bahi and Sahr-i-Bahlol in Mardan and Peshawar museum besides numerous archaeological remains across the province especially in Swat, continue to attract historians, researchers, pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts from around the world,” he said.
Experts believed the growing interest shown by children and families in summer vacations can support Pakistan’s tourism economy if heritage sites are projected through digital media.
Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem of the Department of Economics at the University of Swabi said that faith-based and heritage tourism remains one of Pakistan’s most promising yet underutilized sectors. The country possesses an exceptional combination of Buddhist archaeological sites, Sikh religious shrines, Sufi sanctuaries, Hindu temples and Islamic monuments that could attract millions of international visitors if highlighted on social media platforms.
He appreciated the federal government’s ten-year national tourism strategy aims to expand tourism’s contribution to the national economy by promoting Pakistan’s mountains, archaeological sites, cultural heritage and religious monuments.
According to Dr Naeem, Pakistan has the long-term potential to generate between US$30 billion and US$40 billion annually from tourism if security, infrastructure, international marketing and visitor facilities continue to improve.
Despite possessing immense tourism resources, he said Pakistan continues to face challenges in converting its heritage assets into substantial foreign exchange earnings.
He suggested that digital storytelling, short documentaries and social media campaigns highlighting archaeological treasures could significantly improve Pakistan’s global image and attract more foreign visitors.
“Today is the age of digital media. Well-produced videos showcasing our archaeological sites and cultural heritage can inspire tourists across the world to visit Pakistan,” he said, adding that hiring digital communication specialists, travel bloggers and international influencers could greatly strengthen the country’s tourism promotion efforts.
One of the country’s most ambitious heritage initiatives is the Gandhara Trail-a network of 22 archaeological and religious destinations spread across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab.
The trail links Buddhist monasteries at Takht-i-Bahi, ancient stupas, museums, Sikh gurdwaras, Hindu temples, the archaeological sites of Harappa and Mohenjodaro, and Islamic landmarks such as Mohabbat Khan mosque in Peshawar and Badshahi mosque in Lahore, are presenting visitors with a remarkable journey through South Asian civilization.
Experts said improved conservation, better visitor facilities, modern museums, efficient transport links and stronger international promotion could transform heritage tourism into a major source of employment while ensuring that Pakistan’s archaeological treasures are preserved for future generations.
Recognizing this potential, the federal government has increased investment in heritage preservation. Around Rs445 million has been allocated under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for 2026-27 for archaeological research, museum development and conservation initiatives.
The projects include establishing a research and development center within the department of archeology and museums, construction of the national museum and DoAM headquarters at Shakarparian in Islamabad, and continued conservation work at the historic Shah Allah Ditta Caves.
For young visitors like Ismail and Ibrahim, however, the significance of these ancient monuments extends far beyond tourism statistics or development plans.
As they left the museum carrying souvenirs and memories of towering Buddha sculptures besides making selfies, ancient carvings, artifacts and stories from a civilization that flourished on the very land they call home, the brothers had discovered something every museum hopes to inspire.
Their summer vacation had become more than a family outing rather a journey into Pakistan’s ancient past, where silent stones spoke of forgotten kingdoms, remarkable artistry and a shared human heritage that continues to inspire new generations.
