A well-deserved recognition in promoting Pakistan’s ancient Gandhara heritage!

Imran Shauket receives Tourism & Excellence Award 202 The Government of Punjab has acknowledged the exemplary contributions of Mr. Imran Shauket, a son of the soil who has dedicated his life for promotion of Pakistan’s soft image globally and continues to attract international tourists—particularly the Buddhist pilgrims—to the country’s rich heritage sites in Taxila, Peshawar, and Swat. In this regard, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, on behalf of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, presented Mr. Imran Shauket with the Punjab Tourism & Excellence Award 2026 at a ceremony held in connection with the “Magnificent Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026.” According to an official communication issued by the Punjab Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Department, the award recognizes and celebrates outstanding contributions, achievements, and excellence in Pakistan’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Mr. Shauket’s extensive work in promoting Buddhist tourism and highlighting Pakistan’s ancient Gandhara Civilization was specifically acknowledged as a significant contribution to the industry. With a professional background in the development sector, including advisory roles with USAID and Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, Imran Shauket has dedicated over a decade to tourism promotion. His 10-year efforts span more than 100 initiatives, including hosting Buddhist monks in Pakistan, engaging international investors, and delivering lectures across countries such as Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and the United States to counter misconceptions about Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan Observer, Imran Shauket said it was quite encouraging to see that the government is realizing the huge potential in the tourism and hospitality sector particularly the Buddhist tourism. He was of the view that Pakistan’s Gandhara heritage holds immense economic potential, estimating that Buddhist tourism could generate between $20-$30 billion in revenue annually