“We have kept a space for the day it returns."
Pakistan is planning to claim ancient Buddhist statues from the British Museum in a bid to boost its tourism industry and show it can offer cultural treasures and “not just terrorism”.
The Museum of Peshawar is preparing to approach the British Museum about the repatriation of Gandharan treasures, including an 1,800-year-old statue depicting the Buddhist demi-gods Harita and Panchika.
Gandhara was a Buddhist civilisation that flourished across parts of present-day north-west Pakistan from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD.
It combined Buddhist imagery with ancient Greek influences, which were introduced to the region following the campaigns of Alexander the Great.
Peshawar’s museum has already left a display case empty in anticipation of the statue potentially returning to Pakistan.
Dr Saqib Raza, head of the museum, said: “We have kept a space for the day it returns.”
He hopes to open discussions with counterparts at the British Museum and is also considering requesting other Gandharan artefacts.
The objects could potentially be secured through a permanent arrangement or a long-term partnership between the museums.
Dr Raza added: “The return of Gandharan treasures to Pakistan would reconnect the country with its history, enrich its museums, and serve as a powerful act of cultural diplomacy.”
The plans come as the British Museum faces continued international pressure over the return of cultural artefacts, including demands relating to the Elgin Marbles and Benin Bronzes.
The British Museum has increasingly explored long-term loans and partnerships as a way of allowing artefacts to be displayed in their countries of origin while navigating UK laws governing the disposal of objects from its collection.
In 2024, the Asante people secured the long-term return of royal regalia to their Asantehene.
In 2025, British Museum director Dr Nicholas Cullinan oversaw the loan of ancient artefacts to India as part of efforts to “decolonise” its history.
Pakistan’s proposed approach comes as the country looks to promote its Buddhist heritage and attract more international visitors.
Dr Raza added: “We want to show that this region is not just terrorism.
“People think that we have nothing to showcase, but we have this treasure.”
The ancient city of Taxila was once an important intellectual centre of Gandhara and is among the Buddhist archaeological sites found in modern-day Pakistan.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while many other Gandharan sites are located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In July, Pakistani ministers established a “Task Force on the Gandhara” to develop the region’s Buddhist heritage and make Pakistan a “leading destination” for Buddhist pilgrims.
Government plans include developing infrastructure for visitors, with meditation centres proposed at important Buddhist archaeological sites.
However, Dr Abudal Samad, Director General of Archaeology and Museums in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said development would need to happen gradually.
He said it was important to take a “step-by-step” approach to developing Buddhist sites in a predominantly Muslim country.
He said:
“It will be too much if we have a Buddhist meditation centre at this stage. It will be a bit tricky.”
“Anybody can misuse this concept; any stupid man can say it promotes Buddhism in Pakistan; it’s a threat to Pakistan.”
Dr Samad hopes the economic benefits of increased tourism can first reach communities in the largely rural areas surrounding the archaeological sites.
He also wants greater awareness of Pakistan’s ancient cultural heritage to extend beyond international tourism.
