ISLAMABAD: Government has withdrawn its appeal plea filed in Supreme Court (SC) against High Court orders in Toshakhana case. Case regarding auction of Toshakhana gifts came up for hearing before SC.

Deputy Attorney General told court government wants to withdraw its appeal in Toshakhana case gifts auction case in light of new rules regarding Toshakhana. New law with reference to Toshakhana gifts is lying with President for his endorsement.  Justice Ijazul Ahsan maintained High Court decision will stay no matter new law is enacted. Justice Athar Minallah remarked don’t go to rules. Much humiliation has come already on matter of Toshakhana.

He observed if you talk about rules then we will raise question under what law rules have been framed.

Justice Athar Minallah maintained leave matter of rules. If you are withdrawing appeal then take it back as usual. Decision of Lahore High Court is correct as per law and Constitution. Highest bidder can be entitled to purchase gift.

It is pertinent to mention here LHC has summoned reply from Election Commission and other respondents on petition filed against members of assembly with reference to Toshakhana gifts.

Petition seeking action against all members of assembly who had not shown toshakhana gifts in assets was heard in LHC. Justice Raheel Kamran Sheikh had heard case.

Court while summoning Attorney General for assistance appointed President SC Bar and Vice Chairman Punjab Bar as amicus curiae. LHC while issuing notice to EC and other respondents sought reply from them.

Court maintained it should be satisfied that corruption and corrupt practices are offence under election act. Nadim Sarwar advocate told court non showing assets in documents is offence under Act.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 30 2023

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