The federal government has implemented Toshakhana Policy 2023 titled “Toshakhana procedure for the acceptance and disposal of gifts, 2023” with immediate effect, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Monday. 

The federal cabinet has already given its approval for the new policy in February 2023. 

According to the new policy, all ministries and secretaries are requested to adhere to the new Toshakhana "Procedure for the Acceptance and Disposal of Gifts, 2023" in letter and spirit. A ban was imposed on receiving vehicles worth crores of rupees, expensive watches, jewelry and valuable gifts. A ban also imposed on the president, prime minister, cabinet members, judges, civil and military officers to receive cash as gifts from domestic and foreign personalities. They are advised to immediately deposit the entire amount in the national treasury upon receiving a cash gift. 

All gifts received by government functionaries irrespective of their prices, must be reported and deposited in Toshakhana of the Cabinet Division within 30 days of receipt. 

The president, prime minister, cabinet members, judges, civil and military officers will be authorized to buy gifts worth less than $300 at market value. 

Vehicles received as gifts will be displayed in the central pool while valuable antiques will be displayed at official locations

The public will also be able to buy gifts worth more than 300 dollars through open auction.

Apart from the President and the Prime Minister, other personalities are banned from receiving gifts for their families

Cabinet Division will get the value of the gifts assessed from Government Sector experts in FBR. Cabinet Division will also get the value of gifts assessed by the private appraisers. The weapon(s) shall be assessed by Private Appraisers on the panel and by the expert of Pakistan Ordinance Factories Wah instead of FBR.

The gifts valuing upto USD 300 shall be allowed to be retained by the recipient after due payments as per its assessed market value. 

The gifts exceeding this monetary limit shall become Toshakhana property. 

Gifts that cannot be retained, donated or displayed shall be disposed of by periodical sales to general public to be arranged by the Cabinet Division, 

The public will also be allowed to buy gifts worth more than $300 through a state-owned open auction.

Gold and silver coins will be handed over to the State Bank of Pakistan. 

Strict action will be taken against the person concerned for violation of Tosha Khana policy. 

The officers of the Ministry of External Affairs will be bound to provide the gifts received from abroad to the Cabinet Division

Reporter: Awais Kayani