A collection of priceless ancient artefacts, which were recovered in Italy, has been returned to Pakistan following a lengthy effort to restore cultural items that were illegally removed from the country. The repatriation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations, according to the Pakistani Embassy in Rome.
The artefacts, which belong to the prehistoric Kuli and Naal cultures of Balochistan, date back nearly 5,000 years. They arrived in Pakistan on October 30, 2025, after being transported from Rome. A separate shipment of artefacts had also been returned from Milan earlier this year.
Over the past 18 years, nearly 100 culturally significant pieces have been recovered and handed over to Pakistani authorities. In April 2025, seven additional artefacts were formally returned to the Consulate General in Milan.
The embassy emphasized the importance of this recovery, calling it a prime example of international cooperation between two friendly nations. Italy’s role in safeguarding and returning these artefacts was specifically praised.
Both Pakistan and Italy share a deep historical connection, with both countries home to ancient civilizations and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Protecting and preserving cultural heritage is a shared priority for both nations.
The Pakistani Embassy also expressed its gratitude towards Italian authorities for their continued support in preserving cultural history, highlighting the strong, ongoing ties in archaeological research between the two countries. The Italian Archaeological Mission in Swat, which began in 1955, has led significant excavations, producing a wealth of academic publications on sites in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Two Italian scholars who have contributed greatly to Pakistan’s archaeological efforts, Professor Dr. Luca Maria Olivieri and Professor Dr. Valeria Fiorani Piacentini, have been recognized with prestigious Pakistani awards for their work.
The embassy reiterated Pakistan’s pride as the birthplace of ancient civilizations, citing important sites such as Mehergarh, Kuli, and Naal in Balochistan, as well as the Indus Valley and Gandhara heritage. This repatriation highlights the ongoing commitment to preserving these invaluable cultural treasures.
The Embassy of Pakistan in Rome reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening the cultural and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
