In a significant revelation, the details released by Toshakhana unveil the names of several prominent politicians who have been recipients of its gifts.
The list is topped by PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, who has received gifts valued at an astounding $1.5 million.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was the beneficiary of an annual average of $0.9 million from Toshakhana. Had his tenure been completed, he would have claimed the top spot on the list.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) follows closely behind with a total value of $0.72 million in received gifts.
The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo has accepted gifts from Toshakhana worth $0.52 million.
Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received gifts worth $0.38 million, while the annual average of gifts received by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif amounted to $7600.
H2: Government Declassification of Toshakhana Records
In a move towards transparency, the federal government recently declassified Toshakhana records. The comprehensive data spanning 21 years (2002-2023) was available on the Cabinet Division’s website. The 466-page document details the gifts from former presidents, prime ministers, ministers, and government officers.
The list of individuals disclosed in the publicized Toshakhana records includes prominent figures such as Pervez Musharraf, Shaukat Aziz, Yousaf Raza Gillani, Nawaz Sharif, Imran Khan, Arif Alvi, and Shehbaz Sharif.
Established in 1974, Toshakhana operates under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division. Its function involves the storage of valuable gifts presented to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by leaders of other governments, states, and foreign dignitaries.
The controversy around Toshakhana gained media attention when the former prime minister and Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) was accused of concealing the details of the gifts he received during his time in government.
