ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Museum on Friday put on display a small but staggering collection of guns, bayonets and daggers dating back to the Mughal and World War eras.

The guns were confiscated roughly two years ago when customs officials foiled a smuggling attempt of antique guns, possibly bound for the USA, including a Martini-Henry 1871, breech-loading single-shot rifle with a lever action that was used by the British Army.

For two years, these priceless pieces of history were locked away from the world but have now been made part of the week-long Pakistan Defence Day show at the museum, Department of Archaeology and Museums. The show was inaugurated by Minister for National Heritage and Culture Jamal Shah.

Besides the bayonets, three 1941-1960s English Sten guns, two Lewis machine guns (dated 1914) from First World War era were the major attractions. Designed privately in the United States, though not adopted there, the gun was mass produced in the United Kingdom and widely used by troops of the British Empire during wars.

However, the crown jewel was a Mughal period (18th to 19th century) dagger with sheath.

“The skillful gold engravings on the blade and the ivory handle of the dagger hint it belonged to the royalty, possibly emperor Jahangir himself,” said Director Islamabad Museum Abdul Ghafoor Lone.

Equally fascinating was the Martini-Henry 1871, breech-loading single-shot rifle

with a lever action believed to be used in British colonial wars – Second Anglo-Afghan war, Russo-Turkish war, Anglo-Zulu war, first Italo-Ethiopian war, Balkan wars, World War I and Greco-Turkish war.

The special exhibition of warfare artifacts also showcased a helmet and a 17th to 18th century decorated sandstone tile of Makli graveyard in Sindh, depicting a battle scene.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by Secretary National Heritage and Culture Humaira Ahmed and heads of all attached departments of the division.

Talking to media, minister Jamal Shah highlighted the importance of the participation of children and youth in the mega cultural and literary activities.

He said the cultural activities included live performances, stage plays, puppet theatres, musical concerts, exhibitions, artisans at work, seminars and tableaus, etc.

Jamal Shah said Pakistan Defence Day was an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to national unity and harmony. He said September 6 was an important day in the history of the country and in this aspect all the attached departments had planned special cultural events to highlight the sacrifices of national heroes.

He also said a national songs mega event would be organised in which renowned singers would sing national songs.

The minister also visited the museums’ permanent collections and expressed his determination to establish a state-of-the-art museum in the capital.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2023