In a significant cultural restitution, France has returned a collection of smuggled archaeological artefacts from Balochistan to Pakistan. These items, seized by French customs between 2006 and 2007, were formally handed over during a ceremony at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris. The artefacts include terracotta pots, statuettes, and other relics dating back to the 2nd and 3rd millennia BC, originating from the Nal and Kulli cultures of Balochistan.
The repatriation was made possible through the collaboration of French customs officials and the Pakistani embassy, adhering to the UNESCO Convention of 1970, which both nations have ratified. This agreement aims to prevent the illicit import, export, and transfer of ownership of cultural property.
The return of these artefacts is a testament to the growing bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and France in preserving cultural heritage and combating the illegal trade of antiquities. For Pakistan, the artefacts serve as a tangible connection to its ancient history, offering historians and researchers valuable insights into the region’s past.
This development underscores the importance of international collaboration in safeguarding cultural assets for future generations.
