In a landmark cultural achievement, Italy has returned a collection of 5,000-year-old artifacts to Pakistan, marking one of the most significant recoveries of ancient heritage in recent years.
The artifacts, which include pottery, sculptures, and tools from the Indus Valley Civilization, were originally discovered to have been smuggled out of Pakistan more than a decade ago. Following years of diplomatic discussions and legal proceedings, the Italian authorities officially handed over the items to Pakistan’s embassy in Rome.
According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the recovered antiquities represent the country’s rich prehistoric legacy and will soon be displayed at the National Museum in Karachi. Officials noted that these artifacts are invaluable to understanding early South Asian civilization, particularly its trade, craftsmanship, and urban development.
Ambassador to Italy Ali Javed praised the Italian government for its cooperation, calling the move a milestone in cultural diplomacy and global heritage preservation. He added that such gestures strengthen the cultural bond between the two nations and reinforce the global fight against artifact smuggling.
Italian cultural officials confirmed that the recovery was part of a broader initiative to return stolen artifacts to their countries of origin. They highlighted Pakistan’s consistent efforts to protect its archaeological heritage despite challenges such as illegal excavation and cross-border smuggling.
Experts believe the artifacts will provide new insights into the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world’s oldest urban societies, known for its advanced architecture and craftsmanship dating back to 3000 BCE.
The Ministry of Culture stated that Pakistan remains committed to retrieving all stolen antiquities and ensuring strict enforcement of international conventions on cultural property.
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