LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Tuesday warned the cabinet secretary of proceedings against the head of the Toshakhana department if he failed to submit an affidavit explaining as to how the state treasury details were classified.

Justice Asim Hafeez was hearing a petition seeking complete details of Toshakhana gifts received by political rulers and bureaucrats from foreign dignitaries since the creation of Pakistan.

Asked about the absence of the officer concerned, Cabinet Division Section Officer Nida Rehman told the court that the officer was due to appear before Supreme Court.

She further said the government was considering making public the details relating to the Toshakhana.

Expressing displeasure over the absence of the officer concerned, the judge observed that the court had no concern with the government’s decisions.

The judge warned the officer of contempt proceedings for not submitting the affidavit required under article 6 of Qanun-i-Shahadat Order 1984, with respect to the record of Toshakhana, with an explanation that how the disclosure of the record would prejudice the public interest and jeopardise the state interest.

The judge adjourned further hearing till Feb 21.

On the last hearing, a report filed by the cabinet division had revealed that the prime minister`s office, through a notification issued on Nov 26, 2015, had declared that information pertaining to the Toshakhana gifts was classified and disclosure of such information could “cause unnecessary media hype, which could be potentially damaging to the interests of Pakistan in the conduct of international relations”.

Petitioner Munir Ahmed, through Advocate Azhar Siddique, argued that the right to information was an integral part of a progressive democratic state and the same had been elaborated by superior courts, saying the right to information in all matters of public importance is indisputably a fundamental right guaranteed under Article(s) 19 and 19-A of the Constitution.

He said the public at large was entitled to know details of every transaction and acquire information in all matters of public importance.

The petitioner asked the court to allow the petition and order the respondents to make public the details of assets gifted to rulers, as well as bureaucrats, and also provide the names, details, information, documentation and materials in respect of the persons/officials, who have obtained the assets by making the payment.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

Islamabad march
Updated 27 Nov, 2024

Islamabad march

WITH emotions running high, chaos closes in. As these words were being written, rumours and speculation were all...
Policing the internet
27 Nov, 2024

Policing the internet

IT is chilling to witness how Pakistan — a nation that embraced the freedoms of modern democracy, and the tech ...
Correcting sports priorities
27 Nov, 2024

Correcting sports priorities

IT has been a lingering battle that has cast a shadow over sports in Pakistan: who are the national sports...
Kurram ceasefire
Updated 26 Nov, 2024

Kurram ceasefire

DESPITE efforts by the KP government to bring about a ceasefire in Kurram tribal district, the bloodletting has...
Hollow victory
26 Nov, 2024

Hollow victory

THE conclusion of COP29 in Baku has left developing nations — struggling with the mounting costs of climate...
Infrastructure schemes
26 Nov, 2024

Infrastructure schemes

THE government’s decision to finance priority PSDP schemes on a three-year rolling basis is a significant step...