The Toshakhana Controversy: From Missing Records to a Potential Gift Ban – What’s Next for Pakistan’s State Gift Repository?
Over PKR 700 million in state gifts remain unaccounted for, according to recent audit reports – a figure that underscores a systemic lack of transparency surrounding Pakistan’s Toshakhana, the repository for gifts received by government officials. This isn’t simply an accounting issue; it’s a potential breach of public trust, and the ongoing scrutiny by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) signals a growing demand for accountability. But beyond the immediate concerns of missing records and irregular auctions, a fundamental shift in how Pakistan handles state gifts may be on the horizon.
The Audit Trail: Missing Records and Procedural Flaws
The recent PAC review, as reported by Dawn, revealed a disturbing gap in the Toshakhana’s historical record. All documentation predating 1997 is currently untraceable, raising serious questions about the fate of gifts received during that period. Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal acknowledged the concern, stating the division is actively searching for these files within the National Archives. This loss of historical data isn’t unique to Pakistan; a 2019 report by the Open Government Partnership highlighted the challenges many nations face in maintaining transparent records of state gifts.
Compounding the issue are concerns over amendments to the Toshakhana’s original 1973 rules. Audit officials flagged these changes as being made without proper procedure, a point the Auditor General’s office has repeatedly raised. The enactment of the new Toshakhana Act in 2024, mandating auctions for most gifts (excluding those of historical or cultural significance), is a step towards greater transparency, but it doesn’t address the past discrepancies.
The Auction Dilemma: Irregularities and a Stalled System
The PAC also took aim at the way Toshakhana items have been auctioned. Instead of the mandated public auctions held at least twice a year, the government has favored closed auctions primarily for federal government and armed forces organizations. Furthermore, these auctions haven’t occurred since 2018 and were conducted without proper appraisals, potentially leading to undervalued sales. This lack of transparency fuels speculation and erodes public confidence.
A Potential Ban on Gift Acceptance?
Perhaps the most significant development discussed during the PAC meeting was a proposal to prohibit dignitaries from accepting gifts from foreign counterparts altogether. While Secretary Afzal presented this as a potential amendment, PAC Chairman Syed Naveed Qamar rightly pointed out the impracticality of a complete ban. Diplomatic gifting is a long-standing tradition, often serving as a symbol of goodwill and strengthening international relations. However, the proposal highlights a growing discomfort with the potential for conflicts of interest and the administrative burden of managing state gifts.
Balancing Diplomacy and Transparency: A More Realistic Approach
A complete ban isn’t the answer, but a more stringent regulatory framework is crucial. This could include:
- Mandatory Public Disclosure: A publicly accessible database detailing all gifts received, their appraised value, and the method of disposal.
- Independent Valuation: Utilizing independent appraisers to ensure fair market value for auctioned items.
- Strengthened Audit Oversight: Regular and comprehensive audits of the Toshakhana’s operations, with findings made public.
- Clear Guidelines on Gift Acceptance: Establishing clear criteria for what constitutes an acceptable gift, potentially limiting the value or type of gifts officials can receive.
The Future of the Toshakhana: Towards Greater Accountability
The current scrutiny of the Toshakhana isn’t just about past irregularities; it’s a catalyst for systemic change. The PAC’s directive for a report on the missing files within 30 days is a critical first step. However, lasting reform requires a commitment to transparency, robust oversight, and a willingness to address the underlying issues that have plagued the system for decades. The debate over a potential gift ban, while perhaps unrealistic in its entirety, forces a necessary conversation about the ethical considerations surrounding state gifts and the need to safeguard public trust.
What steps do you believe are most crucial to ensuring the Toshakhana operates with complete transparency and accountability? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
