Islamabad, January 30, 2025: The Toshakhana record from March 2023 to December 31, 2024, has revealed that several top political figures, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, received gifts during this period, according to records from the Cabinet Division.
Among the prominent figures who received gifts include Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Former President Arif Alvi and Former Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa.
Other high-profile recipients included Federal ministers Musadik Malik, Rana Sanaullah, Attaullah Tarar, and Jam Kamal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Cheema, Azam Nazeer Tarar, daughter of President Asif Zardari MNA Aseefa Bhutto, Senator Talha Mahmood, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani and FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial.
Several military and security officials were also listed, including Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch, Vice Admiral Abdul Samad, Chief Security Officer to PM Muhammad Imran, Brigadier Shahryar Munir Hafeez, President Zardari’s Military Secretary and Major General Tajdid Mumtaz (PM’s Military Secretary).
Additionally, former caretaker ministers such as finance minister Shamshad Akhtar, foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, IT minister Dr Umar Saif, commerce minister Gohar Ejaz, and energy minister Muhammad Ali were also listed.
Under a new rule introduced by the Shehbaz government, recipients can keep gifts worth $300 or less, while all higher-value gifts must be deposited in Toshakhana.
Since March 2023, most officials, including President Zardari and PM Shehbaz, have complied with the policy by depositing gifts. Shehbaz paid $30 to retain a candy box and a painting, while former President Arif Alvi deposited most gifts but retained a briefcase after payment.
Former caretaker PM Kakar also deposited most gifts, in line with the 2023 policy.
Historical Toshakhana record (1997-Present)
Records from 1997 onward indicate that past leaders also received and retained gifts:
- Nawaz Sharif (1998): As PM, he received gifts worth Rs1.721 million, including a gold and diamond jewelry set and a luxury watch, and retained them after paying Rs259,121.
- Shehbaz Sharif (as Punjab CM): He received gifts worth Rs1.315 million, including a gold watch, and retained them after paying Rs198,544.
- Pervez Musharraf: Retained a television and decorative bowl for free while paying for a dragon figurine, a watch, and a Kehwa pot.
- Former President Rafique Tarar & FM Abdus Sattar: Retained multiple gifts, either for free or after payment.
- Ishaq Dar, Khawaja Asif, Sheikh Rashid, Tahmina Daultana, and others also received and retained gifts.
- Lt. Gen (retd) Iftikhar Ali Khan: Paid for a table clock, while Syeda Abida Hussain purchased a jewelry box.
