Zardari, Shehbaz among officials depositing gifts in Toshakhana

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials have deposited numerous gifts received from foreign dignitaries in the

President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other senior officials have deposited numerous gifts received from foreign dignitaries in the Toshakhana.

The government has released details of gifts received by senior officeholders during the recent period. The Cabinet Division has also made records of gifts received by public officials since 2002 available on its official website.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said details of deposited gifts are published periodically. He said the records cover gifts received by the president, prime minister, deputy prime minister, federal ministers and other government officials.

However, the names of the foreign dignitaries who presented the gifts have not been made public.

The Cabinet Division has stated that the valuation of some of the newly listed gifts is still being completed. It has also clarified that the published information is based on records and declarations submitted by individuals and departments.

The records show that President Zardari received several valuable and ceremonial items. These included a tea set, sword, golden desert model, woollen overcoat and a Vacheron Constantin Geneve wristwatch.

Other gifts listed for the president included a decorative piece, ceremonial sabre set, chessboard, serving bowl and an oil painting.

First Lady Assefa Bhutto-Zardari and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari also received jewellery. The records show that both received necklaces. Jewellery sets were also listed among their gifts.

Assefa Bhutto-Zardari additionally received a Kumis set.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received a wide range of gifts. The items included shields, souvenirs, portraits, ties, frames and swords.

Some jewellery items were also listed among the gifts received by the prime minister. The records further show several watches, including Rolex and Patek Philippe models.

Other items included a coin, traditional dress, clock, sugar bowl and car model. Cups, pens and cufflinks were also among the listed gifts.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar received several items as well. His gifts included a decorative piece and a traditional Chinese stamp.

The records also mention a Burmese string puppet, a Myanmar cultural frame, a Rolex watch, vase, medal and Chinese leather belt.

Dar also received an Egyptian statue, pen and cufflink set.

Several other federal officials were also listed in the records.

Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema received a book about Uzbekistan and a T-shirt. Economic Affairs Secretary M. Humair Karim received a ballpoint pen.

Information Minister Tarar was listed as having received a Rolex watch.

Several members of the president’s staff also received watches. These included the military secretary, chief security officer, Air ADC, principal staff officer and presidential spokesperson.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq received a large ceramic jar. Senator Saleem Mandviwalla received a Bvlgari watch.

Former NAB chairman retired Lt Gen Nazir Ahmed received a wristwatch and an INTERPOL commemorative book.

Deputy Chief of State Protocol Hafeezullah received a Tag Heuer watch.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi received a Rolex watch and a hand-chased tea set.

Prime Minister’s spokesperson for foreign media Mosharraf Ali Zaidi received a Tag Heuer watch.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Industries and Production Haroon Akhter received a hand-chased tea set with 24-karat gold plating.

The government has said the details of Toshakhana gifts will continue to be uploaded periodically.

The Cabinet Division has also placed a disclaimer on the records. It said the information is based on available records and declarations made by officials and departments under the rules applicable at the time.