ISLAMABAD: Seven Pakistani antiquities recovered in Italy have been repatriated to Pakistan, marking another step in ongoing efforts to recover the country’s cultural heritage from abroad.
According to the Pakistani Embassy in Rome, the artefacts arrived in Pakistan after being formally handed over to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Milan in April 2025. The recovered items were subsequently transported back to the country through coordinated efforts between Pakistani and Italian authorities.
The embassy described the return of the antiquities as part of continued cooperation between Pakistan and Italy in the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.
The latest repatriation follows an earlier handover in October 2025, when Italy returned 90 historical Pakistani artefacts that had been seized by Italy’s Carabinieri cultural heritage protection unit in 2007.
Officials said the recovery of these objects reflects growing international collaboration to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property and ensure that historically significant artefacts are returned to their countries of origin.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Italy, Ali Javed, welcomed the return of the antiquities and highlighted the strengthening partnership between the two countries in the fields of archaeology and heritage conservation.
He noted that Pakistan and Italy are expanding cooperation in archaeological research, preservation of cultural heritage and professional training programmes. Such initiatives, he said, contribute to safeguarding historical treasures and promoting greater understanding of shared cultural responsibilities.
The return of the artefacts is expected to support Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and showcase its rich historical legacy. Authorities have not yet disclosed detailed information about the nature, age or origin of the seven recovered objects.
Pakistan possesses a diverse archaeological heritage spanning ancient civilisations, including sites linked to the Indus Valley Civilization, Gandhara culture and various Islamic eras. Officials have repeatedly stressed the importance of recovering smuggled artefacts and preventing the illegal trade of cultural property.
The repatriation is being viewed as another positive development in Pakistan’s broader campaign to reclaim and preserve its historical and cultural assets.