US and Pakistan Sign Agreement To Protect Cultural Heritage

Staff Report

The United States and Pakistan have signed an agreement to protect cultural heritage.

United States Ambassador to Pakistan, Donald Blome, and Pakistan’s Secretary of National Heritage and Culture, Humaira Ahmed, signed a cultural property protection agreement in Islamabad on January 30, 2024.

The agreement, aimed at safeguarding Pakistan’s cultural heritage, imposes import restrictions on specific archaeological and ethnological materials originating from Pakistan entering the United States.

Its primary objective is to facilitate the repatriation of these cultural artifacts to the people of Pakistan.

This agreement underscores the strong commitment of both the U.S. and Pakistan to combat the theft and trafficking of cultural objects, emphasizing their shared goal of preserving Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage.

The parties involved pledge to collaborate in countering looting and trafficking, fostering a transparent market for Pakistani art and antiquities in the United States.

Additionally, the agreement aims to enhance opportunities for U.S. museums and the American public to learn about and appreciate Pakistan’s rich history and culture.

Ambassador Blome highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating that it safeguards unique and historically important artifacts for future generations.

He also emphasized that it reflects U.S. support for the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity, which have been integral to the people of the region for centuries.US launches Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation in Balochistan

The signing of this agreement reinforces the United States’ global commitment to the protection and preservation of cultural heritage.

The U.S. government has consistently demonstrated its dedication to restricting the trafficking of cultural property, as such activities may contribute to funding terrorist and criminal networks.

Over the years, the United States has returned more than 175 cultural objects to Pakistan, and this new agreement streamlines the repatriation process.

Since 2001, the U.S. government has allocated over USD 8.4 million to support 35 cultural heritage preservation projects in Pakistan. These projects encompass various initiatives, including the conservation of Gandhara archaeological treasures and Mughal architectural heritage, documentation of historic manuscripts, digitization of museums, and the restoration of Sufi shrines and Hindu monuments. The bilateral cultural agreement not only highlights the diversity of the Pakistani people but also lays the foundation for continued cooperation between the two nations.