LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the present administration to disclose officeholders’ 1990–2001 Toshakhana gifts on Wednesday.
Under a high court ruling, the federal government uploaded the 466-page Toshakhana record. The record was from 2002 to 2023 and uploaded to the Cabinet Division website.
After hearing Munir Ahmad’s appeal through Advocate Azhar Siddique, Justice Asim Hafeez ordered the government to disclose Toshakhana presents.
The judge stated that Pakistan should disclose all presents from friendly nations and that “nothing” should be hidden.
AAG Mirza Nassar, representing the government, challenged the edict, but the court ordered full disclosure.
The AAG informed the court that the government would appeal the court judgement, and Judge Hafeez assured Nassar of his right to appeal.
The judge said no one may retain presents without paying. Justice Hafeez also asked “complete transparency” and no secrets.
Petition
Lawyer Siddique requested that the high court order the cabinet to reveal all information and details about former prime minister Imran Khan’s gifts.
After this judgement, the petitioner requested details about all gifts bought/withdrawn/taken by Pakistani prime ministers and presidents since 1947. The petitioner also lawfully requested information on the gift’s market worth, assessed value, and the amount paid by presidents and prime ministers from 1947 to the present.
This would provide citizens full access to Toshakhana’s records, promoting fairness, accountability, and openness, according to the petitioner.
It is recognised law that Article 19 (A) of the Constitution empowered Pakistani citizens by making access to information a right rather than a state privilege.
Hence, Article 19(A) of the Constitution allowed citizens to become autonomous power centres that previously controlled public information.
For justice and fairness, all gifts received by former presidents and prime ministers must be revealed.
