The United States has returned more than 450 historical and cultural artifacts to Pakistan under a bilateral agreement aimed at protecting cultural heritage.
The rare antiquities were showcased during an exhibition in Islamabad titled Legacy Returns Home, where officials highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two countries in recovering smuggled and stolen artifacts.
According to the US Embassy, Washington has so far returned over 450 artifacts worth nearly $23 million to Pakistan under the agreement.
Speaking at the exhibition, US representative S. Paul said every sculpture and artifact displayed in the gallery carried a unique historical and cultural significance.
US Assistant Secretary of State S. Paul Kapoor revealed that a total of 514 Pakistani artifacts had been recovered and returned over the past decade. The recovered items are collectively valued at approximately $23 million.
Federal Minister for Culture Aurangzeb Khichi termed the return of the stolen antiquities a major achievement for both the US government and Pakistan’s Foreign Office officials.
He said the repatriation of these valuable historical items reflects strong cooperation between the two countries in preserving cultural heritage.
Officials also noted that around 150 artifacts currently displayed at the Islamabad Museum in Sir Syed Memorial include Buddha statues, Gandhara masterpieces, sculptures, and rare antiquities dating back nearly 4,000 years.
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