ISLAMABAD: The United State and Pakistan signed an agreement on Tuesday on cultural property protection, a US embassy statement said.
U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and Pakistan Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Humaira Ahmed signed the agreement.
The agreement imposes import restrictions on certain types of archaeological and ethnological items originating from Pakistan and entering the United States.
It also facilitates the return of these cultural objects to the people of Pakistan. The cultural property agreement depicts the strong U.S. and Pakistan’s resolve to stop the theft and trafficking of cultural objects and protecting Pakistan’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
This agreement commits both Pakistan and the US to work together to counter looting and trafficking of objects, promote a clean market for Pakistani art and antiquities in the United States, and enhance opportunities for U.S. museums and the American public to know about and experience Pakistan’s history and culture.
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Ambassador Blome expressing his views said that the agreement protects unique and historically significant artifacts for future generations and it also sows U.S. respect for diversity and support for the principles of tolerance.
He said today’s signing highlights the United States’ global commitment to cultural heritage protection and preservation. The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage around the world and to stop trafficking in cultural property, which may be used to fund terrorist and criminal networks.
The statement noted the United States has returned over 175 cultural objects to Pakistan so far, and this agreement simplifies the process.
It said that since 2001, the United States government has supported 35 cultural heritage preservation sites across Pakistan with more than $8.4 million USD.
The U.S. funded preservation projects include the conservation of Gandhara archaeological sites, Mughal architectural heritage, the digitization of museums, documentation of historic manuscripts and the restoration of historically significant Sufi shrines and Hindu monuments.
