On Sunday, the records of Toshakhana, a state repository that holds gifts presented by foreign dignitaries and governments to public officeholders, have been declassified by the Cabinet Division.
The 446-page catalogue comprises a list of gifts received by former prime ministers, presidents, ministers, bureaucrats, and even the offspring of these officials from 2002 until 2023.
As per the records released by the Cabinet Division, the current government has received 59 gifts in the present year. The Toshakhana received a total of 224 gifts in 2022, 116 gifts in 2021, 175 gifts in 2018, and 91 gifts in 2014. Furthermore, in 2015, 177 gifts were given to government officials.
The details of prominent gifts kept by notable politicians are presented below. Note that these are not all.
Nawaz Sharif:
- Mercedes Benz valued at Rs4.2 million in 2008 for Rs636,888
- One Necklace (diamond) valued at Rs1 million and a table clock valued at Rs40,000 in exchange for Rs207,560.
- Piaget wristwatch (Rs1 million) and a box of perfumes for Rs240,000 in 2015.
- Christopher Claret watch (Rs2 million), a ring (Rs19.5 million), and a pair of cufflinks (Rs16m) for a total of Rs7.6 million in January 2016.
- Dela Cour watch (Rs3.2 million), a ring (Rs8 million), and a pair of cufflinks (Rs5 million) for Rs3.2 million in February 2016.
- Two Rolex watches (Rs1.2 million and Rs850,000) and some other items for Rs469,000 in October 2016.
- A Rolex wristwatch valued at Rs4 million for Rs808,000 in 2018.
- A carpet valued at Rs40,000 for Rs6,700.
Asif Ali Zardari:
- Model of Horse Neck (decoration piece) valued at Rs25,000, and a pistol with accessories valued at Rs50,000 for Rs9,750.
- BMW 760 Li (model 2004) valued at 27.3 million for Rs4.09 million.
- BMW 760 Li (model 2008) valued at Rs57.8 million, and a Toyota Lexius LX 470 valued at Rs50 million for Rs16.1 million.
- Model of a ship (silver) valued at Rs130,000 for Rs24,000.
Maryam Nawaz:
- One box of pineapple, valued not available due to being perishable and retained free of cost.
Ishaq Dar:
- Gifts worth Rs 60.3 million for Rs 1.2 million in 2017.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi:
- Gifts worth Rs 200.2 million for Rs 4.5 million in 2017.
Mr/Mrs Ahsan Iqbal:
- One Rolex Watch Gents valued at Rs. 1,550,000 for Rs.304,000 in 2018
- One Rolex Watch Ladies valued at Rs.775,000 for Rs. Rs.149,000 in 2018
- One Carpet valued at Rs.130,000 for Rs. 20,000 in 2018
Khawaja Muhammad Asif:
- One Watch Rolex (in process of valuation) in 2023
- Wooden Shield, a Souvenir, One Table Decor (in process of valuation) in 2022
- One Watch Rolex Oyster M valued at Rs.7,200,840 for an undisclosed amount in 2022 (deposited in Toshakhana)
- One watch Rolex valued at Rs. 3,800,000 for undisclosed cost (displayed at PM house) in 2022
- A list of seven items valued at Rs. 35,000 for Rs. 2,500 in 2022
(One Al-Taif Rose Nakhb Al-Rouse, Two Maknuz Khalas Dates, One Al-jouf Olive Oil, One Taif rose water, One Khawlani coffee beans, One sider honey) - One wooden plate and One wooden chess valued at Rs. 26,000 for free of cost in 2022
- One Watch (Rolex) valued at Rs.1,800,000 for Rs. 3,54,000 in 2018
- One Silver Kettle valued at Rs.70,000 for Rs.8,000 in 2018
- One Carpet valued at Rs. 130,000 for Rs. 20,000 in 2018
- One Watch IWC Schaffhausen valued at Rs.325,000 for Rs.63,000 in 2017
- One Watch Bvlgari along with a Pair of Cufflinks, One Ring, One Ball Pen, and One Tasbih total valued at Rs. 11,818,788 for Rs. 2,357,758 in 2017
- One Watch (Faberge TOF14-Limited Edition N04/15) along with One Diamond Ring, One Pen, One Tasbeeh, and a Pair of Cufflinks valued at Rs. 44,400,000 for Rs. 8,874,000 in 2017
- Two bed Sheets valued at Rs.9000 for free of cost in 2013
- One Show Piece valued at Rs. 500 for free of cost in 2013
Imran Khan:
- Graff watch of 18K gold and diamond valued at Rs80 million for Rs20 million.
- Pistol and a model of a wolf valued at Rs400,000 for Rs40,000.
- Model of the key of the door of the Holy Kaaba valued at Rs6,000, retained free of cost.
Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had announced that the records would soon be available on the Cabinet Division’s website.
Established in 1978, the Toshakhana division requires all public officeholders, including parliamentarians and bureaucrats, to declare any gifts received to the Cabinet Division. The department gained attention when former prime minister Imran Khan was accused of “failing to disclose” the Toshakhana presents he retained.