Cabinet Division Admits Toshakhana Records Missing Prior to 1997

The Cabinet Division Secretary made a startling revelation on Tuesday, disclosing that no official records of the Toshakhana (state gift depository) exist prior to 1997. Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Syed Naveed Qamar, the secretary said: “We have searched extensively but found no record whatsoever before 1997.” The PAC was reviewing audit objections related to Toshakhana. The secretary insisted that no laws had been violated in managing the repository, but admitted that in the absence of clear regulations, officials at times took items directly. He added that new legal provisions would be framed once Parliament passes amendments currently under consideration at the Prime Minister’s level. Naveed Qamar urged the government to expedite the process: “Tell the Prime Minister to look into this matter urgently.” During the session, PAC Chairman Naveed Qamar questioned why Toshakhana gifts were consistently sold to the same group of buyers and why open bidding was never conducted. The Cabinet Division officials responded that advertisements for auctions had been published in newspapers, but public interest remained negligible. “People generally do not show interest in acquiring Toshakhana items. A couple of auctions were held, but even officers themselves avoid involvement, fearing potential legal cases,” an official explained. Committee member Moin Amir Pirzada suggested that high-value gifts should be assessed directly by their manufacturing companies to determine fair prices. Naveed Qamar further questioned why the Finance Ministry alone had the authority to fix prices for Toshakhana items, insisting that a transparent, open auction system should be enforced.