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Toshakhana: IHC seeks report on gifts received by PMs, presidents since 1947

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  • Notice issued to Cabinet Division for refusal to give details of gifts. 
  • Cabinet division had refused information as it was classified. 
  • Court orders government lawyer to provide details if available. 

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Cabinet Division for refusing to provide details of the gifts received by prime ministers and presidents since creation of Pakistan, and asking it to submit a report within a month. 

IHC’s Justice Mian Gul Hassan Aurangzeb heard the petition filed by Abuzar Salman Niazi. Advocate Wasim Abid appeared in court on behalf of the petitioner. 

During the hearing, the advocate said that the petitioner asked for the details of gifts given by other countries to the presidents and the prime ministers, however, the Cabinet Division refused to provide the information as it was classified.

The Pakistan Information Commission gave an order on June 29, however, it has not been implemented even after five months, said the petitioner’s lawyer. 

“Why are you limiting yourself to the prime ministers and presidents and not including the rest of the public servants? This shows your intentions,” Justice Hassan remarked. He added that any petition like this is only related to the prime minister. 

The court addressed Deputy Attorney General Syed Ahsan Raza and ordered him to provide the information if the records are available. 

At this, Raza said that such information should be available on the website, adding that there won’t be any records before 1990. 

The court said that it might be possible that Toshakhana’s records are available. It said to provide the records if available. 

The court then adjourned the hearing and sought the report from the Cabinet Division in a month. 

LHC seeks details of gifts taken from Toshakhana since 1947

This is the second time that a court has dealt with a petition of this sort.

Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court (LHC) sought the details of gifts taken from the Toshakhana since 1947.

LHC’s Justice Asim Hafeez sought details of the Toshakhana gifts over citizen Munir Ahmed’s plea.

During the hearing, federal government’s lawyer informed the court that the sought details cannot be provided.

However, brushing the argument aside, the court directed the authorities concerned to submit the details of gifts taken from Toshakhana since 1947, by January 16.

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26th Constitutional Amendment: Naqvi Congratulates the Nation on the Amendment’s Approval

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The ratification of the 26th Constitutional Amendment bill has been hailed as a success for the people of Pakistan by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who has congratulated the entire country.

The Interior Minister said in a statement that the triumph of the Pakistani people is a tribute to Allah.

In particular, he praised Allied Party leaders and JUI(F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for their support, and he declared that Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s historic and constructive role would never be forgotten.

Mohsin Naqvi commended the work of Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

Their unrelenting efforts have paid off, he said. He underlined that the 26th Constitutional Amendment was the result of a concerted and unrelenting effort by all leaders.

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Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that it had been 12 days since the last hearing on Bushra’s bail application.

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Barrister Salman Safdar informed the court that it had been 12 days since the last hearing on Bushra’s bail application.

Justice Aurangzeb stated, “I experienced a high fever during my last appearance in court on October 9.”

“The recovery process was prolonged,” he noted.

Safdar said that the value of the gifts was diminished by a private purchaser, who he claimed had turned approver against Bushra Bibi.

Safdar stated that the customs authorities then assessed the worth of the commodities and found no irregularities.

Justice Aurangzeb queried, “Was it the decision of the then-executive (Imran Khan) to accept the gift after remitting 50% of the total value?”

The FIA prosecutor stated that no precedent exists for accepting gifts at 50% of their worth.

“What are your instructions on the bail application of Bushra Bibi?” Justice Aurangzed conducted a further inquiry.

“We will contest it,” stated the FIA prosecutor.

The court subsequently postponed the hearing until October 23.

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The President has signed the 26th constitutional amendment, and a notification has been issued.

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On Monday, the 26th amendment was ratified by President Asif Ali Zardari, bringing the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan up to date.

Following days of negotiations between the opposition and the Treasury, the amendment was finally approved by the National Assembly and the Senate on Sunday night.

The prime minister signed the recommendation to be forwarded to the president of Pakistan for confirmation following the amendment’s approval by both chambers of the legislature.

Following its implementation, the amendment’s notification was also released.

Recall that a legislative committee will select Pakistan’s top justice following the amendment’s implementation.

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