The United States repatriated 133 stolen antiquities valued at over $13 million to Pakistan during a ceremony held at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office in New York on Tuesday.
This marked the fifth such return of precious artifacts, originating from the Gandhara period, to Pakistan, from where they were pilfered.
Earlier in 2022, the United States (US) returned 192 stolen antiquities, valued at nearly $3.4 million, to Pakistan after an investigation into a notorious Indian-American art dealer, Subhash Kapoor.
Aamer Ahmed Atozai, the Consul General in New York representing the Government of Pakistan, conveyed gratitude to the District Attorney’s office, its Antiquities Trafficking Unit, and the Department of Homeland Security for their concerted efforts in reclaiming Pakistan’s cultural treasures. Several of the recovered antiquities were showcased during the event, with Consul General Atozai noting that they would soon enrich museums throughout Pakistan.
Moreover, an agreement was signed between Consul General Atozai and Matthew Bogdanos, the Assistant District Attorney heading the Antiquities Trafficking Unit, ensuring the safe repatriation of the artifacts to Pakistan. Bogdanos expressed delight in returning these “magnificent pieces of Pakistani heritage,” underscoring Pakistan’s rich civilization dating back 5,000 years.
