Historic items belonging to the former royal family of Bahawalpur have reportedly been stolen from a residence in Islamabad.
Police estimate the stolen Royal Treasures and family heirlooms are worth around Rs20 million.
The incident took place at the residence of Prince Bahawal Abbas Khan Abbasi in Islamabad’s F-8/3 area.
He is the son of Nawab Salahuddin Abbasi.
Police have arrested a domestic worker over alleged involvement in the theft. The suspect is currently being questioned.
However, no official recovery of the stolen items had been confirmed at the time of reporting.
Historic Royal Treasures Reported Missing
The stolen collection reportedly contains several valuable objects connected with the former Bahawalpur State.
Items include a silver throne-like chair, silver ladders, silver bowls and statues.
Gold plates and other gold objects bearing the Bahawalpur State crest were also reportedly taken.
A large historic silver frame carrying the state emblem is also among the missing items. The collection reportedly includes antique muskets and swords linked to the former princely state.
These objects hold significance beyond their estimated financial value. They also represent part of Bahawalpur’s royal and cultural heritage.
Police Register Theft Case
The incident came to light after the family discovered that a storeroom had been broken into.
Several valuable family heirlooms were found missing during an initial inspection. Police subsequently registered a case under Sections 454 and 380 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The family is continuing to check its collection and prepare a complete inventory.
A supplementary list could be submitted to authorities if additional missing objects are identified.
Why Bahawalpur’s Royal Heritage Matters
The missing Royal Treasures are associated with the Abbasi dynasty and the former princely state of Bahawalpur.
The Abbasi rulers left behind a significant architectural, cultural and historical legacy in the region.
Bahawalpur remained a princely state before its integration into Pakistan’s administrative structure. Concerns about the preservation of Bahawalpur’s historic objects have emerged before.
In 2004, Dawn reported that records suggested many antiques linked to Nawab Sir Sadiq Muhammad Abbasi V were missing from Sadiqgarh Palace.
The reported collection included royal silverware, weapons, paintings, manuscripts and other historic objects.
Theft Raises Questions Over Security
The latest case has again drawn attention to the security of historic objects held in private collections.
The reported Royal Treasures carry cultural significance because of their association with Bahawalpur’s former royal family.
Investigators are questioning the arrested suspect as they continue examining the case.
The theft was also reported amid several other crime incidents in Islamabad.
Police said cash, valuables and other property worth more than Rs34 million were stolen across eight separate incidents.
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Authorities are continuing their investigation into the Bahawalpur case, while the family works to determine the full extent of the missing collection.
