Auditor General calls for probe into Toshakhana embezzlement allegations

ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General of Pakistan’s (AGP) special audit team has recommended an immediate investigation into whether millions of rupees obtained from Toshakhana were deposited into the national treasury, the Hum Investigation Team (HIT) has learned.

The special audit team recommended “strict action” against anyone that failed to deposit the money categorised as gifts into the national treasury.

According to the special audit report, gifts worth Rs220 million were purchased from the state Toshakhana over the last 20 years, but receipts of the received amounts were neither verified nor did the Cabinet Division provide documents.

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The report was presented to President Asif Ali Zardari, and the Hum Investigation Team obtained a copy. It stated that the most government gifts were purchased during the tenures of former prime ministers Imran Khan and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

The firm responsible for appraising these gifts lacked expertise. The valuation of cars, jewelry, diamonds, watches, et cetera was not done according to market rates.

The audit report also revealed that one prime minister was favoured over the rules and regulations. In 2016, Toshakhana received an amount of Rs25 million, while in 2017, government gifts totaled over Rs60 million. Similarly, nearly Rs50 million was received in 2018, and almost Rs20 million in 2019.

According to the report, the Cabinet Division was repeatedly contacted for their stance, but no response was received. The AGP also did not receive a response to the revelations made during the audit.

Authorities have confirmed to Hum News that the special audit report is ready, but the Cabinet Division is not responding.