The court demanded facts about Toshakhana purchasing documents going back to 1947 and gave the government until January 16 to comply.
Justice Asim Hafeez requested court orders to make information concerning presents and individuals/officials who received properties after paying public.
The Cabinet Division’s Toshakhana department archives gifts that leaders, lawmakers, bureaucrats, and other officials give to foreign guests.
The department has been in the news because Imran Khan, the former prime minister, is being investigated for “not providing information” regarding gifts given to the Toshakhana and proceeds from their alleged sale, and he was ultimately removed from office for “making false statements and erroneous declarations.”
Gifts/presents and other materials must be submitted to the Cabinet Division under Toshakhana standards.
The government’s attorney, Sheraz Zaka, said that the information from Toshakhana is secret and cannot be made public.
The judge then inquired as to why the information was withheld. Finally, the judge commanded the government to disclose whether the information was secret.
Following the hearing, PTI legislator Pervez Khattak tweeted that the high court has asked for complete gift history. Why set criteria for yourself?
Entire record of Toshakhana should be shared with HC. What’s there to hide in it. Why different standards for yourself ? pic.twitter.com/QE1x4GyHxC
— Pervez Khattak (@PervezKhattakPK) December 19, 2022
The request for more information was made last week by Munir Ahmad’s attorney, who argued that “the right to information is an integral part of a progressive democratic state” and that “the right to information in all matters of public importance is undeniably a fundamental right guaranteed under Article(s) 19 and 19-A of the Constitution.”
