Pakistan has recovered 1,252 stolen cultural artefacts over the past year, the National Assembly committee was told on Tuesday.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Heritage reviewed the recovery at a meeting chaired by Samar Haroon Bilour.
The Secretary of Lok Virsa Heritage Museum told the committee that authorities had returned all 1,252 artefacts to Pakistan.
Officials have now displayed the recovered items at Sir Syed Memorial Hall.
Lok Virsa Seeks Land for New Museum
During the meeting, the Federal Minister for Lok Virsa raised concerns about the lack of land for a new museum.
He said the Capital Development Authority (CDA) had not provided land to Lok Virsa for the proposed project.
The issue remains a key challenge for expanding Pakistan’s heritage preservation facilities.
UNESCO Funds Returned to Provinces
MNA Syeda Jamshed asked about $50,000 that UNESCO provided in 2025 for heritage-related work.
The Secretary explained that the funds belonged to provincial governments. His department returned the money to the respective provinces after receiving it.
He also highlighted the department’s financial difficulties. According to him, Lok Virsa lacks enough funds even to meet employee salary expenses.
As a result, the department currently has limited resources for launching new heritage projects.
