By- Farooq Mirza
A graceful ceremony was held at the New York County District Attorney’s office on 14 Sep, 2026, marking the handover of another tranche of stolen artifacts of Pakistani origin by the District Attorney’s office to the Consulate General of Pakistan.
On the occasion, an agreement was signed between the office of the District Attorney and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Consul General, Mr. Aamer Ahmad Atozai signed the agreement on behalf of the Government. The agreement pertains to the repatriation of 36 artifacts, including a Grey Schist Figure of Yakshi dated to the 4th Century C.E. and 35 Terracotta Fertility Figures dated 2700-3000 B.C.
Speaking at the occasion, the Consul General expressed appreciation to the Antiquities Trafficking Unit of the District Attorney’s Office for their continued support. He also emphasised that cultural heritage is part of the common heritage of humanity. The Consul General added that lawful recovery and return of artifacts enable future generations in Pakistan and around the world to study, appreciate and learn from these extraordinary testimonies to human civilisation.
