Rare and precious artifacts, sculptures and art works have been stolen from various museums of the country and Federal Minister for Culture Dr G G Jamal has called reports from the concerned authorities. He said those responsible for the theft will be taken to task.
Talking to NNI on Thursday, the minister said that for the last 56 years, museum items of historical importance continue to be stolen from various museums and stores of the Ministry of Culture. Theft and missing reports are registered with the police stations and departments concerned. He pointed out that the USA handed us over 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 include Buddha's statues of that time. The value of these 39 artifacts runs into millions of dollars.
The minister said five such rare artifacts are not available even in any museum of the country or stores of the Culture Ministry. The minister assured that the government has taken several steps to check pilferage of such items. He disclosed that America will also hand over 10 more such artifacts soon.