Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has deposited more than three dozen gifts in the Toshakhana between July and September, including a box containing 1,000 grammes of fine gold that he received during an official visit to Kyrgyzstan, according to a list released by the Cabinet Division.
The prime minister deposited the gold in the Toshakhana on September 8, following his visit to Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 2.
The Cabinet Division confirmed that all gifts Shehbaz received during foreign visits had been deposited in the state repository, while officials were determining their valuations.
The list included a range of items presented to the prime minister, including handmade silk and wool carpets, a shield, a plate, a tie, cufflinks, calligraphy, a model of Roza-e-Rasool (SAW), a painting of SKY47, a wall hanging and a handmade glass decoration from Belarus.
Other gifts included a wooden plate, a model of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, a ceramic vase, two scarves, four olive oil receptacles, small soaps, traditional perfume with oud, a model car, a large Kyrgyz-style blanket, a ceremonial vase, books in a small bag, a large crystal shield, a bronze vase, a handkerchief, handmade carpets, two Islamic prayer beads, six cups with saucers and a table clock.
President Asif Ali Zardari received seven gifts during the same period. These included two carpets, an archery set, a musical instrument, a frame depicting Faisal Mosque, a chess set and a decoration piece.
Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Cheema, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, other cabinet members and senior officials also received gifts during the period and deposited them in the Toshakhana.
The federal government notified the Toshakhana (Management and Regulation) Rules, 2026, to tighten regulations governing gifts received by public office-holders.
Under the new rules, the Cabinet Division will dispose of all existing and future gifts deposited in the Toshakhana through open auctions, subject to approval from a committee headed by the federal secretary of the Cabinet Division. The committee can seek expert advice when required.
The rules require public office-holders and private individuals accompanying official delegations to declare and deposit gifts in the Toshakhana under Section 3 of the Act. Recipients must deposit gifts within 30 days of receiving them or within 30 days of returning to Pakistan after a foreign visit. If a gift requires separate shipment to Pakistan, the deadline extends to 60 days.
The rules also discourage public office-holders, except the head of state and head of government, and private members of official delegations from accepting gifts for themselves or their families from local or foreign dignitaries, individuals or companies they engage with in connection with official business.
However, if diplomatic norms, cultural sensitivities or the risk of offending the giver make refusal difficult, recipients must deposit the gift in the Toshakhana in accordance with the Act and the prescribed rules.
The government will deposit proceeds from the auctions into a separate account and use the funds to promote primary education for girls in the country’s most backward areas.
