LHC orders govt to make Toshakhana record from 1990-2001 public

A collage of toshakhana gifts sold by former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan. — GeoNews/File

"Also share the name of the friendly country which has donated the items," the court ordered

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has ordered the government to release the complete records of Toshakana between 1990 and 2001, despite protests.

Supreme Court Justice Asim Hafeez ordered authorities to release all records, saying nothing could be made public.

The federal government said it would challenge the court's decision after challenging the sharing of charity resources. Justice Asim Hafeez said the government had every right to challenge the order.

The apex court's order came on a petition by citizen Munir Hafeez seeking full details of gifts received by political rulers and bureaucrats from foreign officials since the creation of Pakistan.

Earlier this month, the federal government released Toshakhan records from 2002, showing the country's political leaders used the depository.

The government argued that the publication of all the records could damage Pakistan's relations with friendly countries, but the court ignored those warnings and ordered the release of the records.

Last week, the court ordered the production of Toshakhan's pre-2002 recordings in any format and said it would take an appropriate decision after examining the recordings.

New dormitory policy

According to Toshakana's new policy, all government officials, including the ruling political elite, members of parliament, judges, generals and bureaucrats, must declare and deposit all donations received at Toshakana within 30 days of receiving them, or face disciplinary action. bother

The policy, which was announced on March 8, 2023, repealed the previous rule that allowed government officials to deduct donations by paying 50% of the assessed value.

Any prize over $300 will now immediately become Toshaka's property, and prizes up to $300 may be retained without deducting the market value fee determined by the recipient.

All such donations should be cataloged and displayed in prominent buildings owned by the government.

However, buyers may store damaged items without notification or place them in the Pantry.

To ensure that every donation received is reported and deposited in the Toshakhana, the policy stipulates the responsibility of the Head of Protocol, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a representative of a foreign visitor or delegation to provide a list of donations. taken together with the name of the recipient of the Government Department.