Summary Their return reflects the strong collaboration between the two countries in protecting cultural heritage and preventing the illegal trafficking of historical objects.
Web Desk) - Pakistan has received seven historic artefacts recovered by Italian authorities, marking another important milestone in cultural cooperation between Pakistan and Italy.
According to the Pakistani Embassy, the antiquities arrived in Islamabad on Thursday after completing all necessary legal and administrative procedures.
The artefacts were earlier handed over to the Consulate General of Pakistan in Milan in April after being recovered by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza.
Their return reflects the strong collaboration between the two countries in protecting cultural heritage and preventing the illegal trafficking of historical objects.
The embassy noted that this is not the first such repatriation. In October 2025, Italy returned 90 ancient artefacts to Pakistan that had been confiscated in 2007 by the Carabinieri Command for the Protection of Cultural Heritage.
These efforts demonstrate Italy’s continued commitment to safeguarding and returning cultural property to its rightful owners.
Pakistan and Italy have shared close ties in archaeology and heritage preservation for decades.
The two countries continue to work together in archaeological research, heritage protection, professional training, and capacity building.
The embassy also highlighted Italy’s contributions to archaeological studies in Pakistan.
The Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat was established in 1955 by renowned scholar Professor Giuseppe Tucci, who was later awarded the Hilal-e-Imtiaz by Pakistan. Other Italian archaeologists, including Professor Luca Maria Olivieri and Professor Valeria Piacentini, have also received national honours for their contributions.
The embassy thanked Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, Carabinieri Command, and Ministry of Culture for their support in recovering, documenting, and returning the valuable artefacts to Pakistan.
