Zubair Qureshi
US Ambassador Donald Blome and Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Humaira Ahmed signed an agreement on cultural property protection here on Tuesday that aimed at restricting import of certain types of archaeological and ethnological materials originating from Pakistan and entering the United States. The agreement also facilitates the return of these cultural objects to the people of Pakistan. The cultural property agreement demonstrates the strong U.S. and Pakistani commitment to disrupt the theft and trafficking of cultural objects and our shared goal of protecting Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, said a statement issued by US embassy.
This agreement commits both parties to work together to counter looting and trafficking of objects, promote a clean market for Pakistani art and antiquities in the United States, and increase opportunities for US museums and the American public to learn about and experience Pakistan’s history and culture. “This agreement protects unique and historically significant artifacts for future generations … It also demonstrates U.S. support for the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity – principles by which the people of this region have lived for centuries,” said Ambassador Blome.
The ambassador underscored the United States’ global commitment to cultural heritage protection and preservation, and held that the United States had been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage around the world and to restrict trafficking in cultural property, which may be used to fund terrorist and criminal networks. To date, the United States has returned over 175 cultural objects to Pakistan, and this agreement simplifies the process.
Since 2001, the United States government has supported 35 cultural heritage preservation projects across Pakistan with more than $8.4 million.
U.S.-funded preservation projects include the conservation of Gandhara archaeological treasures and Mughal architectural heritage, documentation of historic manuscripts, the digitization of museums, and the restoration of historically significant Sufi shrines and Hindu monuments, among other projects.
