Pakistan Plans To Develop Shah Allah Ditta Caves Into Heritage Site

ISLAMABAD (GNP): The federal government has announced plans to transform the historic Shah Allah Ditta Caves into a world-class Buddhist heritage destination, equipped with modern visitor facilities and international-standard amenities.

Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi announced during a visit to the cave complex, which holds significance as a notable center of the Gandhara civilization and Buddhist heritage. Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar accompanied the minister on the visit.

The initiative is aligned with the prime minister’s broader vision for preserving, promoting, and securing international recognition for Pakistan’s Buddhist legacy. To that end, the minister directed authorities to accelerate ongoing conservation work at the site so that its formal inauguration can take place during the Gandhara Conference, scheduled for September or October this year.

During the visit, officials from the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums briefed the minister on a historic Buddhist-era stupa located on the hillside opposite the caves, noting that its distance from the main site makes it difficult for visitors to view clearly. In response, the minister ordered the installation of a modern telescope to allow Buddhist monks, pilgrims, and other visitors to observe the stupa up close, and stressed that the site should prominently showcase Buddhist history to underline its religious and historical importance.

Beyond the telescope, the development plan includes visitor-friendly additions such as a cafeteria, gift shop, and other amenities intended to serve both domestic and international tourists. The minister also directed that decorative lighting be installed to illuminate the caves in the evening, adding to the site’s visual appeal.

Following the site visit, the minister chaired a high-level meeting at the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, attended by Secretary National Heritage and Culture Asad Rehman Gilani, the joint secretary, and other senior officials. The meeting reviewed ongoing development and conservation projects at Shah Allah Ditta and other historical sites nationwide.

Officials also presented a proposal to prepare a special historical map tracing the evolution of Islamabad, while the minister directed the establishment of a dedicated “Gakhar Corner” within the Directorate’s gallery to display artefacts and information related to the historic Gakhar Fort near Kahuta and the Gakhar tribe. He further instructed that artefacts from the ancient Mehrgarh civilization be included in the gallery to reflect the breadth of Pakistan’s archaeological heritage.

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The minister also addressed requests raised by parliamentarians from Balochistan, who had sought the ministry’s support in preserving the century-old ancestral house of poet and writer Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi in Gwadar, along with other historical sites in Turbat. He said the concerned lawmakers had been asked to submit formal written recommendations, after which the projects would proceed through the necessary legal procedures.

Secretary Gilani added that the Directorate’s gallery would be reorganized and upgraded to modern standards, with an emphasis on encouraging educational visits from university students and broader public engagement to raise awareness of Pakistan’s historical and cultural heritage. Taken together, officials say the Shah Allah Ditta development marks a significant step toward positioning Pakistan as a leading destination for Buddhist heritage tourism, drawing pilgrims and history enthusiasts from around the world.