Participation of Pakistan in the Cultural Heritage Exhibition at the National Museum of China, Beijing

On the occasion of the Meeting of the Council of Heads of States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) 2025, the National Museum of China requested the member states to contribute representative artefacts for an international exhibition titled “Excellence in Cultural Heritage of National Museums of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.” The exhibition was inaugurated in August 2025 at the National Museum of China, Beijing, and features around 200 artefacts from 10 SCO member states. The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM), National Heritage & Culture Division, Islamabad, participated in this prestigious event by contributing ten carefully selected artefacts from the collections of the Islamabad Museum. These objects were chosen to reflect the diversity and richness of Pakistan’s cultural heritage, ranging from: • Artifacts from Prehistoric Period human settlements, • Masterpieces of the Indus Valley Civilization, • Sacred and artistic legacies of the Gandhara Buddhist tradition, and • The choicest collection of the Mughal era. Together, these artefacts presented an overview of Pakistan’s historical and cultural development across different epochs. The exhibition will remain open to the public until 16th November 2025. The opening ceremony was held on 27th August 2025 at the National Museum of China. The event was attended by dignitaries and cultural representatives from various SCO member states. From Pakistan, H.E. Mr. Khalil Hashmi, Ambassador of Pakistan to China, graced the occasion, along with Mr. Sohail Khan, Deputy Secretary-General of the SCO, who visited the Pakistan gallery and appreciated the artefacts on display. The exhibition received wide publicity in Chinese media, highlighting the cultural contributions of all member states, including Pakistan