Cultural Genocide or Business Opportunity? Smuggling of Buddhist Art in Pakistan

BUSINESS RECORDER
By Nargis Khanum, Karachi

Smuggled Buddhist Art in Karachi

PAKISTAN---The large number of relics and artifacts seized by Police last week, from a trailer-mounted container in Landhi and a godown in Korangi, indicates there is a flourishing market for Gandhara art. If there were no buyers, there would be no smugglers. The obliteration of Gandhara art seems to have the approval of religious fanatics. This is evident also from the fact that wary politicians, social leaders, our so-called intellectuals and art lovers did not express shock to learn about the huge number of relics and artifacts seized by the Police in Karachi. The theme of Gandhara art is Buddhism.  [link]