The federal government has introduced new rules governing Toshakhana, discouraging public office holders from accepting gifts from local and foreign dignitaries, reported 24NewsHD TV.
Under the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Rules, 2026, the restriction does not apply to the president and prime minister. Private persons accompanying official delegations are also discouraged from accepting gifts for themselves or their families.
However, where gifts cannot be refused due to diplomatic or cultural sensitivities, recipients must deposit them in Toshakhana within 30 days of acceptance. In the case of foreign visits, the deadline begins after the recipient returns to Pakistan, while gifts shipped separately can be deposited within 60 days.
The new rules clarify that BS-1 to BS-4 employees may retain cash awards from visiting dignitaries if refusing them could cause offence.
Moreover, the rules require existing and future Toshakhana gifts to be liquidated through open auctions, preferably every two years, or at least once in each financial year. Public office holders and their families, however, will be barred from participating.
Antiques and gifts with cultural or historical significance, as well as precious gifts with diplomatic or international sensitivity, including those received from foreign heads of state and governments, will not be auctioned.
Proceeds from the auctions will be deposited into a separate account and used for female primary education in the country’s most underdeveloped regions. The relevant federal education ministry will manage the account, with disbursement required within six months of deposit and prior approval from the PM.
The rules also permit advanced generative AI assistance, approved by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, to be used for assessing gift values.
A Cabinet Division officer of at least BS-20 will oversee the security and records of Toshakhana gifts, while its storeroom will require physical locking systems and CCTV coverage. Live media coverage of auctions will also be arranged through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.