Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government has asked Pakistani authorities in Islamabad for the return of artefacts, asserting that it underscores the importance of preserving regional history and identity. These 3000 artefacts represent substantial cultural wealth & are in possession of different provinces of Pakistan. Their repatriation could enrich local museums and knowledge.
“Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government wants back Gandhara art artefacts from other provinces or states of Pakistan to boost the interest of religious tourists in the province.
Officials say they will also make a request to the inter-provincial committee for this purpose. A total of 3150 historical artefacts belonging to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are kept in other parts of Pakistan. This includes a Buddha statue that was prepared after his long meditation, currently housed in the Lahore Museum.”
There is also a similar Buddha statue in the Peshawar Museum, but it was found in three pieces, which were later joined together. Significant artefacts reflect regional Buddhist heritage.
Retrieval of Gandhara artefacts aims to attract religious tourists. Cultural heritage is a draw. A specific artefact related to Buddha’s meditation highlights Gandharan Buddhist art importance. Cultural treasures have global appeal.
The current location of the Buddha statue in the Lahore Museum illustrates the distribution of Pakistan’s cultural assets across regions.
KPK Provincial Tourism Minister Atif Khan has ordered preparations in this regard. He says there are historical sites in the province that foreign tourists are interested in visiting. The minister has obtained approval for a five-hundred-million-rupee project from the Provincial Development Authority for religious tourism or pilgrimage.”
The presence of sites appealing to international tourists is an asset. Leveraging heritage for tourism is strategic. The 500 million rupees allocation indicates a significant investment in religious tourism infrastructure or promotion. Targeting the pilgrimage market can diversify and boost the local economy. Cultural and religious assets are utilised.
Dr Abdul Samad, head of the Department of Archaeology and Museums in KPK, says that artefacts found in the region before the establishment of Pakistan, as well as those discovered in various excavations after Pakistan’s creation, are included, which are kept in different museums across the country. Dr Samad adds that a large number of Gandhara art artefacts are also preserved in present-day India.
He adds that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the Department of Archaeology and Museums was transferred to the provinces with all assets, and although Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been given funds and other authorities, the artefacts have not yet been handed over.”
According to him, the Fasting Buddha or Rojooni Buddha named statue is the only one of its kind in the world and is the property of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Unique Fasting Buddha, a Singular global example, enhances Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s cultural significance. Rare artefacts attract much of interest.
Likewise, fifty per cent of the historical artefacts displayed in the Taxila Museum are of the Gandhara art style, and such artefacts are also preserved in other museums of the country, including Karachi.
Authority’s statement clarifies the scope of artefacts under the department’s purview. Pre- and post-Pakistan finds are relevant. Artefacts dispersed across museums indicate widespread archaeological richness. Though preservation challenges exist.
Artefacts’ current locations reflect past civilisations’ influences and modern geopolitical boundaries.
According to 18th Constitutional amendment, the decentralization impact on institutions like the archaeology department, and Powers are transferred to provinces. Financial and administrative powers granted, but artefact transfer pending, incomplete devolution process. And a delay in handing over artefacts suggests bureaucratic or procedural hurdles. It is the effective decentralisation key.
It is considered the first Buddha statue in the world was found in complete condition from the Mardan area and is kept in the Lahore Museum. There is also a similar statue in the Peshawar Museum, but it was found in three pieces, which were later joined together.”
Lahore Museum Holding, Preservation of the complete statue underscores the museum’s important cultural role.
Dr. Abdul Samad says that the Japanese government has expressed desire several times for the Fasting Buddha statue to be sent there for some time so that its citizens can also see it. “There are many historical artifacts of Buddhism in Takht Bhai area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which recently attracted visitors from Korea and some other countries who came to visit and performed their worship there”, he added.
Takht Bhai is a significant and rich Buddhist archaeological site in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Its historical importance draws international pilgrims.
Korean & other visitors’ recent visits for worship highlight the site’s ongoing religious relevance and global Buddhist connections. Artefact sharing can enhance mutual respect and knowledge between nations. Heritage is used as a diplomatic tool among countries.
Gandhara art abroad, a significant collection in India, highlights historical cultural exchange and shared heritage and cross-border cultural legacy.
Efforts to reclaim of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa items might combat its illegal antiquities trade and protecting heritage from looting is crucial.
Repatriation might involve cross-border negotiations. Collaboration is key to recovering lost cultural treasures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s proactive stance on cultural assets reflects a commitment to heritage conservation.
3150 Artefacts, a significant number underscores the rich historical legacy of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are dispersed assets that pose a reclamation challenge. Specific artefact related to Buddha’s meditation highlights Gandharan Buddhist art importance and cultural treasures have global appeal.
Inter-Provincial request and planned appeal to the committee indicates a formal approach for artefact repatriation and cooperation is sought. Because like other resources of the Pokhtunkhwa province, the Pakistani establishment is also looting its cultural and historical artefacts.
