ISLAMABAD: Toshakhana Policy 2023, also known as the “Toshakhana procedure for the acceptance and disposal of gifts, 2023,” has been put into immediate effect by the federal government, following its approval in February.
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As per the new policy, all ministries and secretaries have been urged to follow the new Toshakhana “Procedure for the Receipt and Disposal of Gifts, 2023” in letter and spirit.
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The new policy states that receiving automobiles worth millions of rupees, pricey watches, jewellery, and expensive gifts have been prohibited. The president, prime minister, cabinet, judges, and civil and military authorities are likewise prohibited from accepting monetary presents from domestic and international figures. They are instructed to deposit the entire sum in the national treasury as soon as they receive it.
Besides that, all gifts received from government officials, regardless of value, must be reported to the Cabinet Office and deposited with Toshakhana within 30 days of receipt.
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The President, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Judges, Civilian and Military Officers are eligible to purchase a gift of less than $300 from him at market value.
Vehicles received as gifts are displayed in the central pool, while valuable curios are displayed in official locations
The public can also purchase gifts worth $300 or more from him through public auctions. Except for the president and prime minister, it is prohibited for anyone other than the president and prime minister to receive gifts from family members
The Cabinet Office will receive the value of the gift and will be evaluated by experts from the FBR’s government sector. The Cabinet Office also receives gift values appraised by private appraisers. Weapons are graded by the panel’s private appraisers and Wah experts at the Pakistan Arms Factory on behalf of the FBR.
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Gifts valued up to $300 USD may be retained by the recipient at estimated market value after payment is due. Gifts in excess of this monetary limit become the property of Toshakhana.
Gifts that cannot be kept, donated or displayed will be disposed of through regular public sales arranged by the Cabinet Office.
The gold and silver coins will go to the National Bank of Pakistan. Strict action will be taken against data subjects who violate Tosha Khana’s policies.
The officers of the Ministry of External Affairs will be bound to provide the gifts received from abroad to the Cabinet Division.
