Pakistan has recovered 513 smuggled archaeological artefacts from the United States (US) through bilateral cooperation, officials have told the Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture.
The committee, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, met at the Parliament House on Monday, where officials said that the recovered objects, mostly linked to the Gandhara civilisation, had been seized by US authorities after being smuggled out through illegal channels over several decades.
Officials described the artefacts as national treasures that reflect the country’s civilisational heritage and said that they are now in government custody. The committee was informed that a new museum is being planned for their preservation and display, with land acquisition underway in coordination with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and public-private partnership options being explored for the project.
Committee members asked for details on the investigation into the smuggling network, those involved and the total number of artefacts still missing. The committee directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report covering the inquiry, the recovery process, the estimated value of the artefacts and the current status of investigations.
Heritage officials also raised concerns before the committee over the reported demolition of a historic Mughal-era arch near Rohara Village for a housing development. The chairman directed the ministry to gather complete details and present a briefing at the next meeting.
The secretary of National Heritage and Culture briefed lawmakers on reservations raised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) over conservation work carried out by the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, at the Mohra Moradu and Sirkap archaeological sites in Taxila. Officials noted that heritage conservation became a provincial subject after the 18th Constitutional Amendment and that the Punjab government had initiated the work.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi asked for details on the objections. Officials explained that UNESCO’s concerns centred on the construction material used, the method adopted for rebuilding certain walls and the height of the reconstructed structures. UNESCO had requested additional information on the restoration work, which the Punjab government provided and officials said that no further concerns have been raised since, adding that the restoration follows UNESCO’s conservation guidelines.
Officials said that the conservation programme for the Taxila World Heritage Site was designed based on recommendations from UNESCO, ICOMOS (International Council on Momentum and Sites) and the Urban Unit and follows internationally recognised principles such as reversibility, material compatibility, masonry consolidation and scientific repair of deteriorated joints to preserve the site long-term.
Pakistan currently has six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with dossiers for 24 more submitted for future inscription. Officials explained that UNESCO typically considers only one nomination per country each year, though Pakistan has requested priority consideration for its pending nominations.
The committee recommended that members visit the Taxila sites to review the conservation work directly. The chairman reaffirmed the commitment to protecting cultural heritage through conservation, tourism planning and action against illegal trafficking.
Senators Abdul Wasay, Bushra Anjum, Sarmad Ali and Syed Waqar Mehdi attended the meeting along with senior officials.
