• Mostly include Gandhara relics; Senate body orders detailed report on smuggling racket• Officials say Unesco concerns over Taxila conservation addressed; new museum planned ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has repatriated 513 smuggled archaeological artefacts from the United States under bilateral cooperation, top officials revealed before a Senate panel on Monday. The Senate Standing Committee on National Heritage and Culture, chaired by Senator Hidayatullah Khan, met in the Parliament House during which it was informed that the recovered objects, mainly belonging to the Gandhara civilisation, had been seized by US authorities after being smuggled through illegal channels over several decades. They said the artefacts are invaluable national treasures reflecting country’s rich civilisational heritage and are now in government custody. The committee was informed that plans are underway to establish a new museum for the preservation and display of the recovered artefacts. Land acquisition for the project is being pursued in coordination with the Capital Development Authority, and public-private partnership options are being explored for the museum’s development. Committee members sought details regarding investigations into the smuggling network, the individuals involved and the total number of missing artefacts. The committee directed the ministry to submit a comprehensive report covering the inquiry, the recovery process, the estimated value of the artefacts and the status of ongoing investigations. Heritage officials also briefed the committee about concerns regarding the reported demolition of a historic Mughal-era arch near Rohara Village for a housing development. The chairman directed the ministry to collect complete information on the matter and present a detailed briefing at the committee’s next meeting. The secretary of National Heritage and Culture informed parliamentarians regarding reservations communicated by Unesco over conservation measures undertaken by the Directorate General of Archaeology, Punjab, at the archaeological sites of Mohra Moradu and Sirkap in Taxila. Officials noted that following the 18th Constitutional Amendment, heritage conservation became a provincial subject, and the Punjab government initiated the work. Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi sought details on the objections. Officials explained that Unesco’s concerns primarily related to the construction material used during conservation works, the methodology adopted for rebuilding certain walls and the height of reconstructed structures. Unesco sought additional information regarding the restoration work, which the Punjab government subsequently provided. Officials stated that no further concerns have been communicated since the information was shared and that the restoration aligns with Unesco conservation guidelines. During the briefing, officials said the conservation program for the Taxila World Heritage Site was designed in accordance with recommendations from Unesco, ICOMOS and the Urban Unit. The strategy follows internationally recognised principles, including reversibility, material compatibility, masonry consolidation and scientific repair of deteriorated joints to ensure the long-term preservation of the archaeological remains. Pakistan presently has six Unesco World Heritage Sites, while dossiers for 24 additional sites have been submitted for future inscription. Officials explained that Unesco normally considers only one nomination from a country each year, but Pakistan has requested priority for its pending nominations. The committee recommended that members visit the Taxila archaeological sites to review the conservation work firsthand. The chairman reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage through effective conservation, enhanced tourism planning and strict measures against illegal trafficking. The meeting was attended by Senators Abdul Wasay, Bushra Anjum, Sarmad Ali and Syed Waqar Mehdi, along with senior officials. Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2026
513 smuggled artefacts repatriated from US
