ISLAMABAD: US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A Baker on Thursday proposed developing a joint calendar of cultural activities, including exhibitions, artist exchanges, cultural performances and collaborative events in major cities across Pakistan.

The proposal came during a meeting between Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture Aurangzeb Khan Khichi and the US diplomat, where both sides discussed expanding cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, museum development, archaeological conservation, cultural exchanges and shared cultural initiatives.

According to a statement issued by the ministry, the minister appreciated the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the United States and acknowledged Washington’s continued support for preserving and promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage.

He highlighted the successful implementation of the Pakistan-US Cultural Property Agreement and stressed the need to strengthen bilateral cooperation to prevent illicit trafficking of cultural property, enhance institutional collaboration and preserve Pakistan’s archaeological legacy.

The minister appreciated US support in the repatriation of smuggled Gandhara and other valuable Pakistani artefacts.

He said hundreds of antiquities had been returned from the United States and other countries, including Italy, France and the United Kingdom, while efforts were underway to facilitate the return of additional artefacts from Australia.

He expressed hope that the US would continue supporting the repatriation of Pakistani cultural property still located abroad.

Highlighting Pakistan’s efforts to preserve and showcase its heritage, the minister informed the US diplomat that the government was upgrading the Islamabad Museum into a state-of-the-art facility with the cooperation of South Korea. He said the museum would showcase Pakistan’s rich archaeological and cultural heritage, including artefacts repatriated from the US and other countries. The minister also proposed organising a Pakistan-US Cultural Week in Pakistan to celebrate the traditions of both countries.

He invited the US diplomat to participate in Pakistan’s major cultural festivals, including the Shandur Polo Festival in Chitral and other regional events, saying such exchanges would strengthen people-to-people contacts and mutual understanding.

Natalie A Baker appreciated the efforts of the National Heritage and Culture Division in preserving Pakistan’s cultural heritage, particularly the display of repatriated artefacts at the Islamabad Museum.

She thanked the government of Pakistan for supporting the Liberty Bell Exhibition and other cultural activities at Lok Virsa. She also recalled her visit to Lok Mela, where she appreciated Pakistan’s cultural diversity and the hospitality of its people.

The US diplomat reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to expanding cultural cooperation with Pakistan and proposed developing a joint calendar of cultural activities involving exhibitions, artist exchanges, cultural performances and collaborative events.

She also highlighted the potential role of US companies operating in Pakistan in supporting heritage conservation, digitisation of cultural records, restoration projects and major exhibitions through public-private partnerships.

Referring to the Joint Action Plan under the Pakistan-US Cultural Property Agreement, she expressed the desire to translate areas of cooperation into practical initiatives to further strengthen cultural relations.

Secretary National Heritage and Culture Division Asad Rehman Gillani informed the diplomat that the ministry had made sustained efforts for the repatriation of Pakistan’s cultural property from different countries.

He said an exhibition featuring all repatriated artefacts was planned at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in October to highlight Pakistan’s success in recovering its cultural heritage.

The secretary also highlighted Pakistan’s participation in international cultural exchanges, saying Pakistani cultural troupes regularly represent the country abroad and that the government welcomed American cultural groups for joint programmes.

Officials of the Department of Archaeology and Museums briefed the US diplomat on the legal framework, procedures, statistics and international cooperation involved in the repatriation of antiquities and efforts to curb illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2026