US returns stolen antiquities to Pakistan

The United States has returned more than 450 historical and cultural artefacts to Pakistan under a bilateral agreement aimed at protecting cultural heritage and combating the illegal trafficking of antiquities.

An exhibition showcasing the recovered artefacts was held in Islamabad, where officials from both countries highlighted the significance of preserving historical treasures and strengthening cooperation against cultural smuggling.

The exhibition, titled “Legacy Returns Home,” featured a collection of valuable items including Buddha statues, Gandhara-era masterpieces, sculptures and artefacts dating back nearly 4,000 years. Around 150 of the returned items are currently being displayed at the Sir Syed Memorial Museum in Islamabad.

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According to officials, the US has so far returned Pakistani artefacts worth approximately $23 million. Speaking at the event, US Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapur said every sculpture and historical object in the gallery represented a unique story and cultural identity.

He noted that over the past decade, a total of 514 stolen Pakistani antiquities had been recovered and repatriated from the United States. The recovered items were intercepted through investigations into illegal trafficking networks and cultural smuggling operations.

Pakistan’s Culture Minister Aurangzeb Khichi described the return of the stolen artefacts as a significant achievement resulting from cooperation between the US government and Pakistan’s Foreign Office.

Officials also acknowledged the role of the United States Department of Homeland Security in preventing stolen cultural objects from entering the American art market. The department reportedly intercepted many of the artefacts at border points before they could be sold illegally.

The repatriation is being viewed as an important step in preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage and raising awareness about the global fight against antiquities trafficking.