Toshakhana Irregularities: PAC Scrutinizes Cabinet Division
Shadows of the past: Pakistan‘s Toshakhana Under Scrutiny
Islamabad, Pakistan – The legacy of state gifts, a tradition steeped in diplomacy and cultural exchange, is under intense scrutiny in Pakistan. The public Accounts Commitee (PAC) recently convened to address critical audit objections surrounding the Toshakhana, the repository for these gifts, revealing a system plagued by irregularities and raising serious questions about clarity and accountability.
At the heart of the matter are concerns over improper amendments to the Toshakhana rules, dating back to 1973. Audit officials highlighted that these changes were made without adhering to proper procedures, a point the Auditor General’s office has repeatedly raised. This raises concerns about the potential for manipulation and a departure from established protocols designed to safeguard the integrity of the gift repository.
Adding to the complexity, the PAC learned that records predating 1997 are missing entirely. “As Secretary Cabinet it is also concerning for me that pre-1997, records are untraceable,” confessed Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal. This revelation casts a long shadow over the historical management of the Toshakhana, leaving a important gap in the record of gifts received and their subsequent disposition. While records from 1997 onward have been provided to audit authorities, the absence of earlier documentation hinders a comprehensive understanding of the system’s evolution and potential discrepancies. The committee has rightly demanded a final report on the missing files within 30 days, underscoring the urgency of this matter.
The PAC’s review also uncovered issues with the auctioning of Toshakhana items. The committee noted the government’s failure to hold public auctions at least twice a year, as mandated. Rather, closed auctions were conducted for federal government and armed forces organizations, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility. Moreover, these auctions were reportedly held without proper appraisals, and no auctions have taken place as 2018, further fueling suspicions of mismanagement and a lack of transparency.
In a move towards reform, a new Toshakhana Act was enacted in 2024, mandating that all gifts, except those of historical or cultural significance, must be auctioned. This legislation aims to bring greater accountability to the system, ensuring that valuable gifts are not subject to arbitrary disposal. Moreover, a proposal has been submitted to prohibit dignitaries from accepting gifts from foreign counterparts altogether, signaling a potential shift towards a more stringent approach.While a complete ban on accepting gifts may not be practical, as noted by acting chairman Syed Naveed Qamar, the committee’s decision to defer the audit objection until new amendments are made and rules are drafted reflects a commitment to addressing the systemic issues plaguing the Toshakhana.
The ongoing scrutiny of the Toshakhana underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of state assets. As Pakistan navigates this complex issue, the hope is that these investigations will lead to meaningful reforms, ensuring that the legacy of state gifts is one of integrity and public trust.