CONTRADICTIONS define Pakistan. While the country’s repository of antiquities can change its fortunes, recurrent news about illicit trafficking of antiques and resources does not seem to unsettle the authorities. Another heist is happening in Mansehra: Agror and Tanawal areas, formerly the pre-Partition princely states of Amb and Pulrah, have become hotbeds of mineral and precious stone smuggling. Multiple union councils of a region flush with granite and white stone reserves face excavation and blasting. Residents, perturbed by chemicals and explosives causing environmental degradation, deforestation, water contamination and damaged waterways and roads, also lament official apathy towards unlawful mining and collapsing infrastructure. In fact, the once prosperous territory is bereft of socioeconomic progress. The malaise is an old one: shared greed for money is the vital nexus between corrupt officers and smugglers, allowing heritage raiders to run amok, undeterred by the thought of penalties and jail time.

In the midst of an economic meltdown and misery, citizens could do without criminal shortsightedness on the part of the state. These windfalls can be monetised for the benefit of communities. Instead, they are embezzled to fill the coffers of a select few. The government has to stem the pillage; exposed heritage and mineral-rich sites need to be secured with security and fencing. Every historic locality requires documentation and digital itemisation with the help of international preservation experts. In addition, enhanced border monitoring, alongside training in inspection skills, awareness, and graft-proof mechanisms for law enforcement must be initiated at once. Moreover, smuggling rings cannot be dismantled without vigilant security agencies. The authorities need to realise that the time for solace is long overdue. As the populace grapples with monetary, climatic and geopolitical turmoil, the value of these assets should be harnessed for the sake of respite through tourism, employment, amenities and development. Or else, the plunder will only gather speed.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2024