In a significant policy shift, the federal government has decided to prohibit high-ranking officials from accepting gifts from foreign countries, aiming to resolve the controversies surrounding the Toshakhana state repository.
A committee chaired by Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has recommended changes to the Toshakhana rules, suggesting that Pakistan formally request friendly nations to halt the practice of offering gifts at the official level. This move follows a series of scandals involving government officials who allegedly misused or failed to properly handle state gifts.
Speaking to private news channel, Khawaja Asif stated that once the prime minister approves the recommendations, an official ban will be enforced.
“Whether it’s a book or something else, that’s a different issue. But as far as valuable gifts are concerned, we will specifically request our friendly nations to stop offering them altogether,” he said.
He added that eliminating the exchange of gifts would help avoid future controversies. “No gifts will be exchanged, and therefore, there will be no disputes,” Asif remarked, hinting that the final approval for the policy could come within a week.
High-Profile Toshakhana Scandals
The Toshakhana, a state repository designated for official gifts, has been at the heart of multiple political scandals. Several prominent leaders, including former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif, Yousaf Raza Gilani, Imran Khan, and President Asif Ali Zardari, have faced allegations of either failing to deposit gifts with Toshakhana or keeping them without paying the required price.
