LAHORE: The federal government on Tuesday submitted sealed record of Toshakhana gifts in the Lahore High Court (LHC) in connection with a petition, seeking complete details of gifts received by the rulers and bureaucrats from foreign dignitaries since the creation of Pakistan.
Section Officer Binyamin presented the sealed record to Justice Asim Hafeez, who was hearing a petition filed by one Munir Ahmad for complete details of Toshakhana gifts.
Deputy Attorney General Asad Bajwa submitted that the record was classified, adding that the court could unseal it, if it wanted. He submitted that the federal cabinet would make a decision about making the record public in its next meeting.
However, the court observed that it was not inclined to open the sealed record for now. Subsequently, the court adjourned the case for further hearing till February 23 and summoned Toshakhana head along with an affidavit.
In the last hearing, the court directed the authorities concerned to submit the details of gifts taken from Toshakhana since 1947, by January 16.
To which, the federal government’s lawyer informed the court that the Toshakhana details cannot be provided for being classified.
However, brushing the argument aside, the court directed the authorities concerned to submit the details of gifts taken from Toshakhana since 1947, by January 16.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is facing a scandal regarding the Toshakhana gifts for allegedly indulging in corrupt practices, which the former premier denies.
