ISLAMABAD: Cabinet introduced new Toshakhana (gift repository) policy with immediate effect prohibiting all state officials from retaining gifts by foreign dignitaries worth $ 300 or more. New policy-Toshakhana Procedure for Acceptance and Disposal of Gifts 2023 is dated March 8 and was released alongside Toshakhana records.

A blanket ban on keeping gifted items worth millions has been placed on officials including prime minister, president, cabinet members, judges as well as civil and military officers. These items include cars, watches, jewellery and cash, among other valuables. Value of gifted items will be determined by experts at Federal Board of Revenue and private firm. Furthermore, in case of weapons, value of items will be determined by POF and private firm. According to newly introduced Toshakhana policy, all cash gifts will be deposited into national treasury and all gold and silver coins are to be transferred to State Bank of Pakistan, while gifted vehicles will be given to Central Pool of Cars. Other gifted items are to be displayed at prominent government buildings. Also noteworthy is that policy dictates all civil and military officials can only buy gifted items worth $ 300 or less at market value only. For all gifts exceeding the $ 300 value that cannot be donated or displayed, citizens will be able to buy items through an open auction.

All officials, except prime minister and president will also be prohibited from accepting gifts for their family members.

Strict punitive action will be taken against individual recipients if they fail to adhere to new policy and all officials will be bound to provide details of gifts they receive to Cabinet Division.

Policy had first been presented before Cabinet in January and after due consideration has been approved today.

It may be noted that on Monday, federal government made 466-page record of Toshakhana from 2002 to 2023 public by uploading it on official website of Cabinet Division.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 15 2023

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