https://arab.news/536ez
- Embassy says recovered relics from ancient Kuli and Naal sites arrived in Pakistan on Oct. 30
- Nearly 100 stolen heritage pieces have been seized and returned to Pakistan over 18 years
ISLAMABAD: Italy has returned ancient artifacts stolen from archaeological sites in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, dating back around 5,000 years, the Pakistani embassy in Rome said late Tuesday, calling the recovery an example of “excellent bilateral cooperation” between the two countries.
According to the embassy, the artifacts, linked to Pakistan’s Kuli and Naal sites in Balochistan — early Bronze Age settlements that predate the Indus Valley Civilization — were handed over in Rome and arrived in Pakistan on October 30, 2025.
The items had been seized by Italian authorities after being stolen and smuggled abroad. Seven other pieces recovered earlier were returned to Pakistan’s Consulate General in Milan in April.
“Recovery of stolen and smuggled artifacts is an outstanding example of excellent cooperation between two friendly states, both being homes to ancient civilizations and UNESCO sites,” the embassy said in a statement.
The statement said nearly 100 “timeless pieces” of stolen heritage had been seized and returned to Pakistan over the last 18 years, reflecting the countries’ commitment to protecting and preserving cultural heritage.
It added that Pakistan and Italy had been working together for decades in the fields of archaeology and cultural heritage, adding that two Italian scholars, Professor Luca Maria Olivieri and Professor Valeria Fiorani Piacentini, had been recognized by Pakistan with national awards for their contribution to these areas.
The embassy also highlighted Italy’s long-standing archaeological work in Pakistan, noting that the Italian Archaeological Mission, established in 1955 by Professor Giuseppe Tucci in Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has played a major role in discovering and excavating historic sites across the region.
The embassy said it remained committed to further strengthening “the bonds of mutual trust and friendship” between Pakistan and Italy.