ISLAMABAD: Senate unanimously passed bill (Toshakhana Regulation and Management Bill 2023) proposing heavy penalties for officials who fail to declare state gifts and refuse to deposit them in Toshakhana (state gift repository).

As per bill's provisions, President, Prime Minister, chief ministers, governors, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, officers of armed forces, members of judiciary and their family members are required to promptly declare and deposit any gifts received in Toshakhana.

Non-compliance with this requirement could lead to heavy penalties: five times more than assessed market value of gift.

Scope of bill will extend to government officials and private individuals included in official delegations and those employees exempted from law will be from Grade 1 to Grade 4 who receive cash gifts.

Toshakhana repository under administrative control of Cabinet Division which stores precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and other officials by heads of other governments and foreign dignitaries has been at center of attention in recent times due to high-profile cases involving concealment of gifts by public office holders. Issue has notably been brought to forefront in recent months after accusations against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan for allegedly concealing such gifts during his tenure as Prime Minister.

Government bill comes as response to address gaps and deficiencies in current system, aiming to establish clearer regulations governing reporting and depositing of gifts received by government officials.

According to bill, violation of rules regarding gifts will result in penalty equivalent to five times value of gift. Government officials or private individuals will be required to submit gifts following prescribed procedure and within specified time. After government approval, detailed regulations concerning Toshakhana will be established.