Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Division Aurangzeb Khan Khichi on Wednesday inaugurated a special exhibition titled “Legacy Returns Home” at the Islamabad Museum, showcasing selected cultural heritage artifacts repatriated to Pakistan from the United States of America.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony, the minister described the exhibition as the return of an important part of Pakistan’s history, identity, and civilization. He said the event was not merely the opening of an exhibition but a celebration of the return of “a part of Pakistan’s soul.” He stated that the artifacts represented Pakistan’s rich civilizational journey, artistic excellence, and centuries-old cultural traditions that flourished on the land for thousands of years.
Highlighting Pakistan’s historical significance as home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization and the globally renowned Gandhara Art tradition, the minister said Pakistan’s heritage reflected a unique convergence of civilizations, faiths, cultures, and ideas. He noted that the country’s archaeological heritage continued to inspire scholars, historians, artists, and researchers across the world.
The minister said illegal excavation, theft, and illicit trafficking of antiquities posed serious threats to cultural heritage globally, adding that such crimes deprived nations and future generations of their identity and collective memory. He termed the illicit trade in antiquities a crime not only against one country but against humanity itself.
Reaffirming the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to heritage protection, the minister said the government was continuously strengthening legal, institutional, and professional mechanisms for the protection, preservation, and recovery of antiquities removed through illegal means. He emphasized that international cooperation remained essential in combating illicit trafficking of cultural property.
He appreciated the partnership between Pakistan and the United States in protecting cultural heritage and referred to the bilateral agreement signed between the two countries on January 30, 2024, aimed at protecting Pakistan’s cultural property and restricting illicit movement of antiquities. He also acknowledged the dedicated role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Pakistan’s diplomatic missions abroad in facilitating the recovery and repatriation of Pakistan’s cultural assets.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Government of the United States, U.S. law enforcement agencies, Homeland Security authorities, cultural institutions, the District Attorney’s Office of New York, and the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for their cooperation and support in the return of the artifacts. He also commended the National Heritage and Culture Division and the Department of Archaeology and Museums for organizing the exhibition.
Guest of Honour, Assistant Secretary US Embassy Pakistan
Mr. S. Paul Kapur, while speaking at the ceremony, said the United States was celebrating 200 years of independence and had successfully preserved its historical heritage and cultural legacy.
He said the United States enjoyed strong bilateral relations with Pakistan in various sectors, including education, health, agriculture, heritage, and culture.
Parliamentary Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Farah Naz Akbar, Chairperson Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, and MNA Tufail Jutt also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gilani said the exhibition symbolized justice, international cooperation, and collective commitment towards preserving humanity’s shared heritage. He said the repatriated artifacts represented invaluable chapters of Pakistan’s historical identity and reflected the artistic, spiritual, and cultural achievements of ancient civilizations.
The secretary highlighted Pakistan’s rich archaeological legacy ranging from the urban sophistication of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization to the artistic brilliance of Gandhara heritage. He noted that organized criminal networks involved in illicit antiquities trade continued to target vulnerable archaeological sites, particularly in the Gandhara region.
He said the Government of Pakistan remained committed to protecting and preserving archaeological wealth through implementation of the Antiquities Act 1975, strengthening institutional mechanisms, improved documentation, site protection, and international cooperation. He added that Pakistan was also a signatory to the UNESCO 1970 Convention, which provided an important framework for global cooperation against illicit trafficking of cultural property.
Referring to bilateral cooperation, the secretary said Pakistan and the United States signed the Hold Harmless Release Agreement in 2024, opening new avenues for collaboration in heritage protection, institutional development, professional capacity building, technical cooperation, and public awareness. He informed the audience that since 2007, a total of 513 cultural artifacts of Pakistani origin had been successfully repatriated from the United States with the active cooperation of U.S. authorities.
He appreciated the role of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad for its continued support and acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan’s Mission in the United States and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in securing the restitution of Pakistan’s cultural assets.
Director General, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Amanullah welcomed the guests and said the exhibition marked the return of priceless pieces of Pakistan’s history and identity. He said the displayed objects reflected the cultural achievements of ancient civilizations that once flourished on the soil of Pakistan.
The DG said Pakistan’s heritage had long faced threats from illegal excavation, theft, and illicit trafficking, depriving future generations of their historical identity. He reaffirmed the Department of Archaeology and Museums’ commitment to conservation, research, documentation, site protection, and international cooperation for safeguarding Pakistan’s archaeological heritage.
He appreciated the cooperation of the Government of the United States in the restitution of 513 priceless artifacts and noted that the bilateral agreement had further strengthened professional collaboration in heritage protection and capacity building. He also thanked the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, the National Heritage and Culture Division, and officials of the Department of Archaeology and Museums for organizing the exhibition.
The exhibition features selected artifacts intercepted by Homeland Security authorities in the United States and subsequently handed over by the District Attorney’s Office of New York to the High Commission of Pakistan in New York under Article 7(b)(ii) of the UNESCO 1970 Convention and the bilateral agreement signed between Pakistan and the United States on January 30, 2024.
The displayed collection spans multiple historical periods and includes rare stone and stucco Buddhist sculptures, relic caskets, narrative reliefs of Gandhara civilization, a rare gold coin from the Indo-Greek period, as well as significant terracotta figurines and painted pottery from Balochistan dating back to 7000 BC.
The “Legacy Returns Home” exhibition aims to raise public awareness regarding the devastating impact of illicit trafficking of antiquities and reiterates Pakistan’s resolve to protect its cultural heritage and national identity.
According to official details, a total of 513 artifacts have been repatriated from the United States in different phases, including 39 artifacts in 2007, 46 artifacts on August 31, 2021, 104 artifacts on September 9, 2023, 191 artifacts on February 6, 2025, and 133 artifacts on August 26, 2025.
