ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday ordered the Cabinet Division, despite its initial refusal, to provide details of recipients of foreign gifts from the Toshakhana since the independence of the country in 1947.
Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb issued the directive on a petition moved by Barrister Abuzar Salman Khan Niazi through his counsel, Wasim Abid. The petitioner demanded the details of the gifts be made public.
Opposing the plea, the federal government said such details were confidential and, therefore, could not be provided.
During the proceedings, Abid informed the court the petitioner had asked the Cabinet Division for the details of gifts given by foreign nations to the top members of the government, but it refused, maintaining it was classified.
The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) issued an order on June 29, however, five months on, it is yet to be implemented, he said.
“Why are you limiting yourself to the prime ministers and presidents and not including the rest of the public servants? This shows your intentions,” Justice Hassan said. He added that any petition such as this is only related to the prime minister.
The court then ordered Syed Ahsan Raza, a deputy attorney general for the government, to provide the said information to the petitioner.
The case centres on a government department known as Toshakhana — which during the Mughal era referred to the treasure houses kept by the subcontinent’s princely rulers to store and display gifts lavished on them.
Government officials must declare all gifts to the Cabinet Division, but are allowed to keep those below a certain value.
More expensive items must go to Toshakhana under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division, but in some cases, the recipient can buy them back at around 50 percent of their value — a discount Khan raised from 20 percent while in office.
The ruling coalition of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) parties has for months alleged Imran Khan, former prime minister, and his wife, Bushra Maneka, received lavish gifts worth millions during trips abroad. They included luxury watches, jewellery, designer handbags and perfumes.
