Italy has returned a collection of ancient artifacts stolen from archaeological sites in Pakistan’s Balochistan province, dating back nearly 5,000 years, Pakistan’s embassy in Rome said late Tuesday, calling the recovery a testament to strong cultural cooperation between the two countries.
The artifacts, linked to the Kuli and Naal sites in Balochistan — early Bronze Age settlements predating the Indus Valley Civilization — were handed over in Rome and reached Pakistan on October 30, 2025, according to the embassy.
Italian authorities had seized the items after they were smuggled abroad. Seven other pieces were recovered earlier this year and returned to Pakistan’s Consulate General in Milan in April.
“Recovery of stolen and smuggled artifacts is an outstanding example of excellent cooperation between two friendly states, both being homes to ancient civilizations and UNESCO sites,” the embassy said.
The embassy noted that nearly 100 stolen artifacts have been recovered and returned to Pakistan over the last 18 years through coordinated efforts between the two governments, highlighting both nations’ commitment to preserving global cultural heritage.
It added that Pakistan and Italy have a long-standing partnership in the fields of archaeology and heritage preservation. Italian scholars including Professor Luca Maria Olivieri and Professor Valeria Fiorani Piacentini have been honored by Pakistan with national awards for their contributions.
The statement also acknowledged the Italian Archaeological Mission founded in 1955 by Professor Giuseppe Tucci in Swat, which has played a major role in discovering and documenting historic sites across Pakistan.
Pakistan’s embassy said it remains committed to further strengthening “the bonds of mutual trust and friendship” with Italy, particularly in cultural heritage protection.
