Govt to introduce new Toshakhana rules

A comprehensive new policy is being formulated, which suggests that officials should not accept gifts during trips.

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Pakistan has witnessed several controversies surrounding the gifts received from foreign dignitaries, commonly referred to as the Toshakhana.

Last year, former prime minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in relation to a Toshakhana reference case.

In response, the federal government has drafted new regulations regarding Toshakhana, which include a proposal to prohibit heads of state or government officials from accepting gifts during foreign trips.

These new rules, once approved by the federal cabinet, will require Pakistani diplomats abroad to ensure the implementation of this policy in the countries where they are stationed.

During a briefing to the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, Secretary of the Cabinet, Kamran Ali Afzal, explained that under the current rules, gifts are accepted during foreign trips.

However, a comprehensive new policy is being formulated, which suggests that officials should not accept gifts during these trips. Afzal added that countries around the world have varying policies on Toshakhana.

"In Middle Eastern countries, the law governing Toshakhana is liberal, whereas in the US and the UK, there are limits on the value of gifts that can be accepted," he said.