Seven historic antiquities have been successfully repatriated to Pakistan as part of ongoing cultural cooperation. The artefacts were recovered by Italian authorities and formally returned in Islamabad.
The development marks another important step as Italy Returns valuable cultural heritage items to Pakistan. The objects were handed over after completing all required legal and diplomatic procedures.
According to the Pakistani Embassy, the artefacts were recovered by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. They were first transferred to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Milan in April 2026.
After documentation and clearance, the items were safely transported to Islamabad. They were officially received by Pakistani authorities on Thursday.
This latest development shows how Italy Returns important archaeological treasures as part of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Officials said this is not the first such effort. In October 2025, Italy had already returned 90 antiquities to Pakistan. Those items were originally seized in 2007 by Italy’s Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.
The embassy highlighted that Pakistan and Italy share a long-standing partnership in archaeology and heritage protection. This cooperation includes research projects, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives.
The statement further noted Italy’s significant role in supporting Pakistan’s archaeological sector over the decades. It includes work through the Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat, established in 1955.
The mission was founded by Professor Giuseppe Tucci, a well-known scholar who was later awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for his services to cultural preservation.
Officials emphasized that Italy Returns these artefacts as part of ongoing efforts to protect global cultural heritage. The return also reflects strong diplomatic and academic ties between both nations.
Experts believe such collaborations will help prevent illegal trafficking of cultural assets. They also support the preservation of historical identity for future generations.
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Pakistan has thanked Italy for its continued cooperation and commitment to heritage protection. Authorities say further joint efforts are expected in the future.
