LONDON, Feb 9: The British government on Monday returned to Pakistan 198 pieces of antique pottery, said to be about 4,000 years old, which were smuggled to the UK two years ago.

The million dollar worth antique pieces were categorised as ‘ordinary pieces of pottery’ with a value of about 100 dollars when they were smuggled out of Pakistan via Dubai in 2007.

But they were seized by the UK’s Customs Department at Heathrow Airport.

Subsequently, the Pakistan High Commission in UK started negotiating with the British authorities for their return.

A handing over ceremony was held at the Pakistan High Commission where UK Border Agency director Tony Walker formally returned the priceless antiques to High Commissioner Wajid Shamsul Hasan.

The artefacts were seized by Customs officer Anil Rajput when the consignment arrived at the Heathrow and roused his suspicion on checking the papers.

The officer, on realising that the pottery was not ordinary, seized the consignment and then despatched them to the British Museum for examination, where the experts determined that the items were about 4,000 years old and originated from Balochistan.

Mr Hasan said the artefacts would be sent back to Pakistan after the completion of documentation, including insurance.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari had congratulated the Pakistan High Commission for securing the return of the ancient artefacts.—APP