US hands over 133 stolen artefacts worth over $13 million to Pakistan

The United States returned 113 stolen artefacts to Pakistan valued over $13 million during a ceremony at the Manhattan district attorney's office in New York.

These antiquities, dating back to the Gandhara period hold significant historical value for Pakistan. This marks the fifth successful return of stolen artefacts to the South Asian country.

Pakistan's Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai attended the ceremony and received the historical treasures on behalf of PM Shehbaz-led government.

At the ceremony, Pakistan's representative thanked the district attorney's office, its antiquities trafficking unit, and Homeland Security for their work in getting back the country's stolen cultural items.

The recovered artefacts were also exhibited at the ceremony and will be displayed in museums all over Pakistan.

The Pakistani Consulate in New York also shared glimpses of the ceremony on microblogging platform ‘X’ and mentioned that the antiques were recovered from smuggling racketeers and rightfully returned to their region of origin.

CG @atozai signed an agreement with @ManhattanDA for return of 133 stolen Pakistani artifacts. Greatly appreciate the spl investigations team @HSI_HQ ensuring 🇵🇰 cultural antiquities are recovered from smuggling racketeers & rightfully returned to their region of origin. pic.twitter.com/Uk6zsvAQlq

— Pakistan Consulate General New York (@PakinNewYork) May 21, 2024

During the ceremony, a formal agreement was signed between Pakistan's Consul General and Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.

Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bogdanos expressed his pleasure at returning these "glorious pieces of Pakistan's heritage" to their rightful home. Pakistan boasts a rich history of a 5,000-year-old ancient civilisation. 

Pakistan and the US have worked together to bring stolen artefacts back to Pakistan. Last year, the US returned 192 stolen pieces, valued at $3.4 million, after an investigation into an Indian American art dealer Shubash Kapoor.

The US transferred another 104 artifacts to Pakistan in August 2022. These historical pieces, worth $3.3 million, were part of a larger collection stolen from Asian countries and recovered from art dealer Shubash Kapoor.