THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS BETWEEN PAKISTAN AND THAILAND, December 31, 2021 (2021-13)

 

Pakistan and Thailand enjoy close and cordial ties and established diplomatic relationship on 10 October 1951. Bilateral relations between Pakistan and Thailand based on shared principles and mutual interests, have consistently grown over the years. Pakistan and Thailand are both hubs and enjoy strategic location in their respective regions.

Both countries have age-old histories of ancient civilization and have been connected by a common cultural linkage through Buddhism and the Gandhara civilization that flourished in the city of Taxila. Taxila meaning 'City of Cut Stone, is one of most significant archaeological sites in Asia. It was historically known as "TAKSHAHILA". The recorded history of Taxila starts from 6th century BC when Gandharan kingdom became part of the Achaemenid Empire of Persia. It is very  well known for being center of Buddhism in the country. Many statutes of Lord Buddha depicting the various stages of his life have been excavated and are currently present in Taxila Museum.

Taxila was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 in particular for the ruins of the four settlement sites which "reveal the pattern of urban evolution on the Indian subcontinent through more than five centuries" Taxila is a vast serial site that includes a Mesolithic cave and the archaeological remains of four early settlement sites i.e. Buddhist monasteries, Muslim Mosque and Madrassa. The ruins of the four settlement sites reveal the pattern of urban evolution on the Indo-Pak subcontinent through more than five centuries.

The archaeological sites of Saraikala, Bhir, Sirkap, and Sirsukh are of unique importance in illustrating the evolution of urban settlement on the Indo-Pak subcontinent. The prehistoric mound of Saraikala represents the earliest settlement of Taxila, with evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Iron Age occupation. The Bhir mound is the earliest historic city of Taxila, and was probably founded in the 6th century BC.Its stone walls, house foundations, and winning streets represent the earliest forms of urbanization on the subcontinent.

The Taxila serial sites also includes Khanpur cave, which has produced stratified micro lithic tools of the Mesolithic period, and a number of Buddhist monasteries and stupas of various periods. Buddhist monuments erected throughout the Taxila valley have transformed it into a religious heartland and a destination for pilgrims from as far a field as Central Asia, Thailand and China. The Buddhist archaeological sites at Taxila include the Dharmarajika complex and stupa, the Khader Mohra grouping, the Kalawan grouping, the Giri monasteries, the Kunala stupa and monastery, the Jandial complex, the Lalchack and the Badalpur stupa remains and monasteries, the Mohra Moradu monastic remains, the Pipplian and the Jaulian remains, and the Bahalar stupa and remains. The Giri complex also includes the remains of a three-doomed Muslim mosque, ziarat (tomb), and madrassa (school) of the medieval period. This Commemorative Postage Stamp is issued by Pakistan Post on 31-12-2021.

On 70th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Pakistan and Thailand. The Commemorative Postage Stamps are issued by Pakistan Post of Rs 20/- each denomination on December 31, 2021.