[MSN] Pakistan vows to stem pilferage of precious artworks out of museums

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Pakistan vows to stem pilferage of precious artworks out of museums

Pakistani Minister for Culture G. G. Jamal said Thursday that the government would take steps to stem pilferage of rare and precious artifacts from museums in Pakistan and their smuggling out of the country.

In an interview with a local news agency, Jamal said that for the last 56 years, museum items of historical importance continued to be stolen from various museums and stores of the cultural ministry.

The Pakistani cultural minister said that those responsible for the theft would be punished. Theft and missing reports are registered with the police stations and departments concerned, he said.

He disclosed that the United States handed over to Pakistan 39 such historical artifacts recently which were smuggled to America.

He said that these artifacts date back to 200 to 700 years B.C. and these also include Buddha's statues of that time. These 39 artifacts valued at millions of dollars, he added.

He said that America would hand over 10 more such artifacts soon.

Source: Xinhua

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