Islamabad, 14 March 2023 (GNP): According to media report , the Federal Government has implemented a ban on the acceptance of gifts valued over $300 from the Toshakhana by the President, Prime Minister, Cabinet members, Judges, and Civil and Military officers.
As per report, the Toshakhana Policy 2023 has been promptly enforced by the government, along with the issuance of relevant instructions.
Gifts and presents received from foreign notables and dignitaries by senior state and government officials, and then placed in a “treasure-house” known as the Toshakhana, are typically regarded as a property of the state. Nevertheless, under the new government policy, these gifts will only be accessible to the political and bureaucratic elite, including civilian and military officials, as well as judges of the superior judiciary.
Traditionally, the most influential segments of society have been permitted to keep gifts received during official foreign tours or from foreign dignitaries, either at highly subsidized rates or through auctions to the federal government and armed forces officials. Whatever remains after these transactions is added to the Toshakhana.
Sources report that the government has prohibited the acceptance of vehicles, watches, jewelry, and other gifts valued at millions of rupees.
Also Read: 21-year record of Toshakhana released by Government
Sources state that the president, prime minister, cabinet members, judges, and civil and military officers will be prohibited from accepting gifts valued at more than $300. Additionally, the sources indicate that the president, prime minister, and cabinet members will no longer be allowed to receive cash gifts from domestic or foreign dignitaries.
The sources further reveal that judges and civil and military officers will face a ban on receiving cash gifts from domestic and foreign dignitaries. In cases where they are forced to accept such gifts, they will be directed to promptly deposit the entire amount into the national treasury. The sources emphasize that no individual will be authorized to purchase vehicles or valuable antiques received as gifts.
Also Read: : Toshakhana is Public Asset
According to the sources, the new policy stipulates that any gifted vehicles will be meticulously recorded and displayed in the central pool of cars maintained by the Cabinet Division, while valuable antiques will be displayed in official government-owned venues. In addition, the policy permits the president, prime minister, cabinet members, judges, and civil and military officers to purchase gifts valued under $300 at market rates. Furthermore, the public will be allowed to purchase gifts valued above $300 through an open auction.
Sources indicate that, aside from the president and prime minister, other officials will be prohibited from accepting gifts intended for their families. Additionally, any gold and silver coins received will be surrendered to the State Bank of Pakistan.
Sources reveal that severe consequences will be imposed on individuals who breach the Toshakhana policy. Furthermore, officers from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be required to offer gifts to the Cabinet Division, and the value of these gifts will be assessed by professionals from the Federal Board of Revenue and private firms. The evaluation of weapons received as gifts will also be conducted by private firms.
According to the sources, employees in grades 1 through 4 will be permitted to accept cash gifts from foreign dignitaries.
