February 15, 2023
1 min read

Pakistan’s ancient Gandhara art pieces to be showcased in China

The last time Pakistan loaned such a huge consignment of ancient artifacts was in 2008. .reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan loaned 173 Gandhara art pieces to China that will be displayed on Feb 15 at the Palace Museum Forbidden City, reported Dawn.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums has loaned 173 masterpieces of Gandhara art from the Peshawar, Swat, Dir, Hund, Taxila, Karachi, and Islamabad museums for an exhibition in Beijing that will run for three months. As per officials, it will open new vistas of cooperation in museums, and cultural heritage between the two countries, reported Dawn.

The provincial departments of archaeology in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provided active support and loaned some of the best specimens of Gandhara art from their collections for the exhibition.

“Dignitaries and top officials from Pakistan will attend the event. Pakistan Embassy in China, the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan played a key role in materializing this important event. The exhibition will open new vistas of cooperation in the fields of museums and cultural heritage between China and Pakistan,” Deputy Director of the Department of Archaeology and Museums Dr Mehmoodul Hassan said.

Joint projects with Palace Museum in these fields would help in capacity building of the institutions to preserve and promote cultural heritage of the nation, he said, reported Dawn.

The last time Pakistan loaned such a huge consignment of ancient artifacts was in 2008. As many as 250 historical items were loaned to Germany. These artifacts were also exhibited in Switzerland and France, before returning home in 2011.

The Chinese had also requested 250 items; however, Lahore Museum was unable to contribute due to administrative reasons.

Besides life-size and small statues of Siddhartha and Buddha, which depict his birth, early palace life and the periods after enlightenment, the artifacts also include Greek specimens from the best 2nd-century to 5th-century AD collection discovered from Swat, Gandhara and Taxila valleys, reported Dawn.

Islamabad Museum has also loaned 10 specimens, including a gold Greek 2nd-century bowl. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Iranian president meets Chinese premier

Previous Story

Raisi in Beijing to boost China ties

Next Story

Lankan envoy meets Goyal, discusses economic recovery plans

Latest from -Top News

U.S. Raises Alarm for Americans in Pakistan

Earlier, the US Department of State had issued a travel advisory in March, also urging its citizens to “reconsider travel to Pakistan due to terrorism and the potential for armed conflict.”…reports Asian Lite

Khawaja Asif: Peace Only If India Backs Down

The Indian strikes and Islamabad’s retaliation has jolted locals who fear that it could potentially lead to a full-scale war between the two countries…reports Asian Lite Ndews Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif

India Rising, Pakistan Crumbling

Pakistan is on the verge of economic collapse and is surviving on IMF loans, with its forex reserves down to $15 billion…reports Asian Lite News While Pakistan has threatened to respond forcefully

Israel backs India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’

The military operation struck camps and logistical hubs linked to terror groups held responsible for orchestrating the Pahalgam attack…reports Asian Lite News Israel has voiced strong support for India’s right to defend
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Belgian Parliament passes motion recognising Uyghur genocide

The WUC also extended its heartfelt gratitude to all those

‘Ghettoisation’: Pak’s Qureshi rakes up India’s hijab row

It is not the first time that Pakistan has sought