Pakistan secures smuggled antiques from the UK

Islamabad, Jan. 27 (ANI): The British government has decided to return 198 pieces of antique pottery to Pakistan, said to about-4,000-years-old.

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, the Daily Times reports.

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

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has congratulated the Pakistan High Commission in London for securing the return of these ancient artefacts.

A statement issued by the Presidency said, "The British authorities will hand over the invaluable pieces to the Pakistan High Commission in London in the coming days."

Zardari has advised the ministry responsible for dealing with antiques to display the pieces at a secure place. (ANI)