Toshakhana is once again in discussion in Pakistan. But this time the reason is not a dispute, but the decision of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. The government has released the records of gifts received from foreign leaders between April and June 2026. It has been told that all the government gifts received by the President, Prime Minister and many other officials have been deposited in Toshakhana. The government says that it is necessary to deposit these gifts in the government treasury as per the rules, because they are considered the property of the government and not of any individual.
In fact, Toshakhana has already become a big political issue in Pakistan. The Toshakhana case related to former Prime Minister Imran Khan was much discussed. In such a situation, this step of the present government is being considered as an attempt to show transparency. The government wants people to know that accurate records are being maintained of gifts received during foreign tours or meetings and that they are not being kept for personal use.
The name of the foreign leader is not disclosed
The Cabinet Department said that this record has been released on the basis of available government records and information declared by the officials. The government regularly uploads the details of gifts deposited in Toshakhana on the portal. However, due to security and diplomatic reasons, the name of the foreign leader giving the gift is not made public.
What gifts did President Asif Ali Zardari receive?
According to records, President Asif Ali Zardari was presented a tea set and a sword on January 2. Apart from this, he also received many gifts like a model of the golden desert, a woolen overcoat, a luxury watch of Vacheron Constantin Geneve, decorative items, a ceremonial saber set, a chess board, a decorative bowl and an oil painting.
Asifa Bhutto-Zardari-Bakhtawar What did Bhutto-Zardari get?
President’s daughter and First Lady Asifa Bhutto-Zardari received a necklace on 20 January and a jewelery set on 10 February. Apart from this, he was also gifted a Kumis (traditional drink) set. A jewelery set was also presented to her sister Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari.
What gifts did Shahbaz Sharif receive?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was given a shield and memento on 5 January. Apart from this, they also found portraits, several shields, ties, frames, swords, necklaces, a jewelery box containing rings and earrings, two Rolex watches, a Patek Philippe watch, coin, traditional dress, sugar bowl, car model, watch model, cup, pen, cufflinks and other souvenirs.
What did Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar get?
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was presented with decorative items and traditional Chinese postage stamps on 12 January. Apart from this, he also received a traditional puppet of Myanmar, frame of Myanmar culture, Rolex watch, vase, medal, leather belt, Egyptian statue, pen and cufflink set as gifts.
What did the Economic Affairs Minister and Secretary get?
Federal Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema was presented a book and T-shirt named ‘Uzbekistan’. Whereas Economic Affairs Secretary M. Humair Karim was given an excellent ballpoint pen. Apart from this, a Rolex watch was presented to Attaullah Tarar.
What gifts did the President’s staff receive?
The Military Secretary to the President was given a Rolex watch, the Chief Security Officer was given an IWC brand watch and the ADC (Air) was given an Omega watch. The President’s Principal Staff Officer and Spokesperson also received a watch each as a gift.
What gifts did other officers receive?
A big ceramic jar was presented to National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Senator Salim Mandviwala received a Bvlgari watch. NAB Chairman Lieutenant General (Retd) Nazir Ahmed was given a watch and a book published on the 100th anniversary of Interpol. Deputy State Protocol Chief Hafizullah got a TAG Heuer watch.
What did the special assistants to the Prime Minister get?
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi was gifted a Rolex watch and a hand-carved tea set. Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mosharraf Ali Zaidi was given a TAG Heuer watch. Haroon Akhtar, Special Assistant on Industry and Production Affairs, was presented a 24 carat gold plated hand carved tea set.
What is Toshakhana?
Toshakhana is a government store, where gifts received by the President, Prime Minister, Ministers and other government officials from foreign leaders are kept. According to the rules, such gifts received while holding a government post are considered the property of the government. Therefore they have to be deposited in the Toshakhana. There have been many controversies regarding this system in Pakistan before. In such a situation, the government says that this time all the rules have been followed and the gifts received have been recorded in the government records.
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