US, Pakistan ink historic pact for heritage protection

Washington commits to return cultural objects, ban import of artefacts

ISLAMABAD:

The United States and Pakistan signed an agreement to protect the latter’s cultural heritage through the establishment of import restrictions on certain types of archaeological and ethnological materials originating from Pakistan.

The agreement, known as the cultural property agreement, was signed by the US Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, and Pakistan Secretary of National Heritage and Culture, Humaira Ahmed.

The step was taken to facilitate the return of these cultural objects to the people of Pakistan. It demonstrates the strong US and Pakistani commitment to disrupting the theft and trafficking of cultural objects and their shared goal of protecting Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.

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To date, the United States has returned over 175 cultural objects to Pakistan, and this agreement simplifies the process. Since 2001, the United States government has supported 35 cultural heritage preservation projects across Pakistan with more than $8.4 million.

This agreement commits both parties to work together to counter the looting and trafficking of objects, promote a clean market for Pakistani art and antiquities in the United States, and increase opportunities for US museums and the American public to learn about and experience Pakistan's history and culture.

“This agreement protects unique and historically significant artefacts for future generations. It also demonstrates US support for the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity – principles by which the people of this region have lived for centuries,” said Ambassador Blome.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 31^st, 2024.