Pakistan’s top government officials, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, received numerous gifts from foreign dignitaries this year. The items were later deposited in Toshakhana, according to newly released government records. The details showed that several high-value items were received by senior officials and their staff members during recent months.
Government Releases Details of Toshakhana Gifts
The Ministry of Information recently shared records of gifts received by the prime minister, deputy prime minister and other federal officials over the past three months. Meanwhile, the Cabinet Division also uploaded details of gifts received by officeholders since 2002 on its official website.
However, the names of foreign dignitaries who presented these gifts were not included in the released information.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the government regularly publishes details of deposited gifts. He explained that the latest update covered records from the previous three months.
“We upload [details of gifts] periodically. All deposited gifts are uploaded, and the whole information is on the portal,” he said.
He added that the records included gifts received by the president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, ministers and government officers. However, he clarified that the identities of gift-givers were not disclosed.
The Cabinet Division also issued a disclaimer with the records. It stated, “This data/list is provided on federal government directions as per the record available and is based on the information/gifts declared or deposited by the persons and departments responsible for it under the policy prevalent at that time. The cabinet division is not responsible for any error or omissions made by those individuals/departments.”
Luxury Watches, Jewellery and Other Items Among Gifts
According to the released records, President Asif Ali Zardari received several items, including a tea set and a sword on January 2. His other gifts included a golden desert model, a woollen overcoat, a Vacheron Constantin Geneve wristwatch, a decorative piece, a ceremonial sabre set, a chessboard, a serving bowl and an oil painting.
Additionally, First Lady Assefa Bhutto-Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari received jewellery items. Both received necklaces on January 20 and jewellery sets on February 10. The first lady also received a Kumis set.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif received multiple gifts, including shields, souvenirs, portraits, ties, frames, swords and jewellery items. The records also mentioned luxury watches, including Rolex and Patek Philippe models, along with traditional clothing, decorative items, pens and cufflinks.
Officials and Staff Members Also Receive Gifts
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received several items, including a decoration piece and a traditional Chinese stamp. His gifts also included a Burmese string puppet, a cultural frame from Myanmar, a Rolex watch, a vase, a medal, a leather belt, a statue, a pen and a cufflink set.
Furthermore, other government officials also received gifts. Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema received a book titled “Uzbekistan” and a T-shirt, while Economic Affairs Secretary M. Humair Karim received a premium ballpoint pen.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar also received a Rolex watch, according to the records.
Several members of the president’s staff received wristwatches as well. The military secretary received a Rolex watch, while other officials received IWC and Omega watches.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq received a large ceramic jar, whereas Senator Saleem Mandviwalla received a Bvlgari watch.
Toshakhana Records Continue to Attract Public Attention
Other officials listed in the records included NAB Chairman retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed, who received a wristwatch and an INTERPOL commemorative book. Deputy Chief of State Protocol Hafeezullah received a Tag Heuer watch.
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi received a Rolex watch and a hand-chased tea set. Prime Minister’s spokesperson on foreign media Mosharraf Ali Zaidi received a Tag Heuer watch, while Special Assistant to PM on Industries and Production Haroon Akhter received a 24-karat gold-plated tea set from Uzbekistan.
The release of Toshakhana records has once again brought attention to the government’s gift disclosure process. Authorities continue to publish details of deposited gifts, while officials maintain that the information is shared according to existing government policies.
