Toshakhana auction records worth Rs 220m reported missing

ISLAMABAD: A special audit report has revealed that documentary record worth Rs 220 million, which was obtained from the auction of foreign gifts stored in the Toshakhana has disappeared.

This revelation has prompted recommendations for an immediate government inquiry to uncover the facts and hold accountable those involved in what appears to be a serious breach of protocol.

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A report, meticulously prepared by the HUM Investigation Team (HIT), disclosed several irregularities in the management and appraisal of the gifts. It was found that the Toshakhana rules were relaxed to accommodate the purchasing of gifts for various prime ministers. Moreover, the companies selected for appraising the value of these gifts lacked experience in handling high-value items such as diamonds, gold, watches, jewellery, and handicrafts.

The selection process for these companies also appears to have been conducted without proper scrutiny of their expertise, raising questions about the authenticity of the appraisals.

The report further underscored the need for a thorough investigation to trace the individuals responsible for these irregularities and the unauthorised use of powers. The financial records from the Toshakhana between 2002 and 2023, which were reviewed to determine the actual value of the gifts, revealed that Rs 5.7 million was received from Toshakhana gifts in 2022; Rs 4 million was collected in 2021, over Rs 100 million was generated in 2019; over Rs 60 million was gathered in 2017, and Rs 47.5 million was collected in 2018.

Despite the significant sums involved, the HIT noted that many receipts were not presented for review. Additionally, it was discovered that the records post-2002 remain confidential and have not been made available to audit authorities.

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In light of these findings, the report recommends that an inquiry should be conducted to find out the facts and the persons involved in the irregular and unauthorised use of powers should be traced. The missing records of Rs 220 million and other irregularities highlight a deeper issue of accountability that, if left unaddressed, could undermine public trust in the institutions responsible for safeguarding national assets.