Toshakhana Records Reveal List of Gift Recipients from March 2023 to December 2024
Islamabad: The Cabinet Division has released Toshakhana records covering the period from March 2023 to December 31, 2024, revealing that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among the notable figures who received presents during this time.
According to the notification, a range of dignitaries, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, former President Arif Alvi, and former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, were among those who received gifts.
The list also includes federal ministers such as Musadik Malik, Rana Sanaullah, Attaullah Tarar, and Jam Kamal. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister of Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, and Minister of Law Azam Nazeer Tarar were also among the recipients. Additionally, MNA Aseefa Bhutto, Senator Talha Mahmood, Tariq Fatemi, Yousaf Raza Gilani, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari were mentioned in the records.
High-ranking officials were also named in the notification, including Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Prime Minister’s Chief Security Officer Muhammad Imran, Brigadier Shahryar Munir Hafeez, President Zardari’s Military Secretary, and Major General Tajdid Mumtaz, who serves as the Prime Minister’s Military Secretary. Several former caretaker ministers, such as Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, IT Minister Dr Umar Saif, Commerce Minister Gohar Ejaz, and Energy Minister Muhammad Ali, were also listed as beneficiaries.
A policy introduced by the Shehbaz Sharif-led government stipulates that recipients may keep gifts valued at $300 or less, while more expensive gifts must be deposited in the Toshakhana.
Records dating back to 1997 indicate that prominent figures, including Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, former Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Gohar Ayub Khan, former President Pervez Musharraf, former President Rafique Tarar, Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Sheikh Rashid, Tahmina Daultana, and Saeed Mehdi, have received gifts through the Toshakhana.
In 1998, as Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif received gifts worth Rs1.721 million and retained them after paying Rs259,121. His collection included a gold and diamond jewelry set and a luxury watch. Shehbaz Sharif, as Punjab Chief Minister, received gifts worth Rs1.315 million, retaining them after paying Rs198,544, which included a gold watch and wristwatches for both men and women.
Pervez Musharraf, during his tenure as Chief Executive, retained a television set and a decorative bowl without payment, while purchasing a dragon figurine, a watch, and a Kehwa pot. Similarly, former President Rafique Tarar and then-Foreign Minister Abdus Sattar retained several gifts, either for free or after making payments. Other notable figures, including former Ehtesab Bureau Chairman and retired Lt Gen Iftikhar Ali Khan, also retained items after payment.
Since the enforcement of the updated Toshakhana policy in 2023, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have ensured the deposit of all received gifts. Shehbaz Sharif, however, retained a candy box and a painting after paying $30 each. Former President Arif Alvi also deposited most of his gifts, except for a briefcase, which he retained after making the required payment. Similarly, former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar deposited most of his received items.
The new Toshakhana policy has led to greater compliance, with most recipients opting to deposit their gifts, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the process.
