By Staff Reporter
LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Monday directed the concerned authorities to explain the delay in releasing the details of Tosha Khana gifts obtained by different dignitaries since 1947, by January 19.
Justice Asim Hafeez heard the plea seeking direction to quarters concerned to provide full detail of the gift repository including those of bureaucrats, dignitaries, and others. During the proceedings, Nida Rehman, a Section Officer appeared before the court to tell that a committee has been formed to examine which details could be shared.
“Details of Tosha Khana gifts are a secret”
However, Justice Hafeez asked why the gift details are being hidden. An explanation is due if details of Tosha Khana cannot be provided, Justice Hafeez remarked further. Previously, the law officer representing the government had implored the court that the details of Tosha Khana gifts are secret details that could not be shared.
He had, however, observed that when a person buys a gift from Tosha Khana, he had to mention it in tax returns. “So how could it be a secret when details are mentioned in tax returns,” he posed a question.
The judge had earlier, directed the government lawyer to submit details before the court by January 16 (Monday) adding the court will decide whether the details are secret.
The petitioner’s lawyer advocate Azhar Siddique told the court that there are no details available on who obtained the gifts from Toshakhana, under which mechanism the prices of the gifts were calculated and how much money was paid. He also asked the court to direct the concerned authorities to make details of the gifts public.
The petition was filed by Munir Ahmed through advocate Azhar Siddique who had implored in the petition that the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in April 2022, directed the cabinet to disclose all information and specifications in relation to the gifts received by the former PM Imran Khan, during his tenure. Following the IHC order, the petitioner sought information about the gifts purchased, withdrawn or taken away by the prime ministers and presidents of the country since 1947 till date. Additionally, the petitioner had also sought details with respect to the market value of the gifts at that time, the assessed values, and the amount paid by the receivers. He held that the exercise would ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency in Tosha Khana gifts.
