Pakistan has brought back 513 archaeological artefacts that were illegally smuggled to the United States over several decades.
Officials informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture that US authorities had seized the objects before returning them to Pakistan through bilateral cooperation.
Most of the recovered items are linked to the Gandhara civilisation. The artefacts are now in government custody and are considered an important part of Pakistan’s cultural heritage.
The government is also planning to establish a new museum where the recovered objects can be preserved and displayed. Land is being sought with the help of the Capital Development Authority, while private-sector involvement is also being considered.
Senate committee members asked for details about the smuggling network, the people involved and the number of artefacts that may still be missing.
The Ministry of National Heritage and Culture has been directed to submit a detailed report covering the recovery process, estimated value of the objects and the progress of ongoing investigations.
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