What the Cabinet Division records show
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has placed more than thirty-six official presents in Pakistan’s Toshakhana — the state store for diplomatic gifts — covering July through September. Cabinet Division filings list a one-kilogram box of fine gold among the most valuable pieces. That gold was given during his state trip to Kyrgyzstan from 31 August to 2 September and entered the repository on 8 September.
Every present he accepted on foreign travel in that window went into the storehouse. Assessors have still not finished pricing the batch.
What else went into the storehouse
Alongside the gold, the inventory spans handwoven silk and wool rugs, formal vases, ornamental plates, cufflinks, a necktie, calligraphy pieces, paintings and other keepsakes. Also noted are a miniature of Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH), prayer beads, a toy car, a Kyrgyz-pattern blanket, a crystal shield, a bronze vase, a desk clock and books, plus oud-based fragrances, olive oil, soaps, scarves and a cup-and-saucer set.
In the same span, President Asif Ali Zardari surrendered seven offerings: rugs, an archery kit, a musical instrument, a framed view of Faisal Mosque, a chess set and one decorative piece. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and cabinet colleagues such as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar likewise handed over items received while on duty.
How the new Toshakhana rules work
Toshakhana (from Persian for “treasure house”) is run by the Cabinet Division. It keeps ledgers of jewellery, watches, bullion, carpets and similar valuables given to the president, premier, ministers and other office-holders by foreign hosts.
Rules notified in September 2026 require open auctions for both older stock and new deposits. A panel led by the federal cabinet secretary will supervise sales and may call in specialists. Office-holders must declare and lodge gifts within 30 days of receipt or of returning home; the window stretches to 60 days if parcels arrive later by freight.
Except for the president and prime minister, holders and delegation members are urged not to take personal presents from people or groups tied to their official work. Where protocol makes a refusal awkward, the item must still go into Toshakhana. Auction income is to sit in a dedicated account and back primary schooling for girls in Pakistan’s poorest districts — a transparency push after tighter gift rules took effect.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- July–September: More than three dozen of the prime minister’s official gifts, plus deposits by the president and several ministers, enter Toshakhana.
- 31 August–2 September: During the Kyrgyzstan visit, Sharif receives the one-kilogram fine-gold box.
- 8 September: That gold is recorded as deposited.
- September 2026: Fresh Toshakhana management rules are notified, mandating open auctions and directing sale proceeds toward girls’ primary education.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Wazir-e-Azam Shehbaz Sharif ne Kyrgyzstan se mila ek kilo sona aur kai doosri tohfain Toshakhana mein jama karwa di hain. Yeh tohfain July se September ke darmiyan ki hain, aur unki qeemat abhi final nahi hui. Naye qawaid ke mutabiq yeh cheezen nelaam hogi, aur paise gareeb ilaqon mein larkiyon ki ibtidai taleem par lagay jaenge. Aam logon ke liye seedhi baat yeh hai ke sarkari tohfe ab khulay hisaab se bech kar schooling ke kaam aayenge.
