Islamabad: The federal government has finally finalized the Toshakhana rules and regulations, with the final approval to be granted by the federal cabinet. Under the proposed rules, every gift received by a public office holder must be deposited in the Toshakhana within 30 days, while violations could result in fines of up to five times the market value of the gift.
According to sources in the Cabinet Division, the new rules include a detailed procedure for depositing gifts in the Toshakhana and their subsequent auction. Every public office holder will be required to submit any gift received to the Toshakhana within the prescribed 30-day period.
Sources said that failure to deposit a gift within the stipulated time will attract strict penalties. A violator may be fined up to five times the market value of the gift.
If a government employee violates the rules, departmental proceedings will also be initiated in addition to the financial penalty.
Under the proposed regulations, all gifts held in the Toshakhana will be sold through an open auction. Individuals receiving salaries from the government will not be eligible to acquire gifts from the Toshakhana. The proceeds generated from the auction of gifts will be spent on primary education for girls in underdeveloped areas.
The law will apply to all public office holders as well as private members of official government delegations. Every office holder receiving a government salary, benefits, or other privileges will be bound by the Toshakhana Act.
The rules have been drafted in light of the Toshakhana Management and Regulation Act, 2024. According to the information, it took the government more than two years after the Act’s approval to prepare the rules. Following final approval by the federal cabinet, an official gazette notification will be issued.
Also Read: Toshakhana Records Reveal Gifts Received by Top Pakistani Officials in 2026
