PARIS: The Pakistani Embassy in Paris has issued a statement confirming that the valuable artifacts from Balochistan, which were recovered in France 18 years ago, have now been successfully returned to Pakistan.
The embassy clarified that no such antiquities remain in France at present.
It advised Balochistan’s Department of Archaeology and Museums to contact the federal government in Islamabad for further correspondence regarding the matter.
The embassy further suggested that the department should formally write to the federal authorities to facilitate the handover process.
It is worth mentioning that two months ago, the precious artifacts—originally smuggled out of Balochistan—were recovered in France and handed over to the Pakistani Embassy in Paris.
However, these artifacts have not yet been officially transferred to Balochistan’s Department of Archaeology.
In response, the department has reached out to the embassy to expedite the process.
The Pakistani Embassy in Paris has issued a statement confirming that the valuable artifacts from Balochistan, which were recovered in France 18 years ago, have now been successfully returned to Pakistan.
The embassy clarified that no such antiquities remain in France at present.
It advised Balochistan’s Department of Archaeology and Museums to contact the federal government in Islamabad for further correspondence regarding the matter.
The embassy further suggested that the department should formally write to the federal authorities to facilitate the handover process.
It is worth mentioning that two months ago, the precious artifacts—originally smuggled out of Balochistan—were recovered in France and handed over to the Pakistani Embassy in Paris.
However, these artifacts have not yet been officially transferred to Balochistan’s Department of Archaeology.
In response, the department has reached out to the embassy to expedite the process.
Balochistan is home to several ancient archaeological sites such as Mehrgarh, one of the earliest farming settlements in South Asia, dating back to 7000 BCE. Over the years, a significant number of artifacts have been looted or smuggled from the region due to a lack of preservation and monitoring infrastructure.
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The recovery and repatriation of these items remain a critical step toward preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage.
