Pakistan implements new Toshakhana Rules 2026

The Cabinet Division has officially notified the Toshakhana Management and Regulation Rules 2026, introducing stricter oversight for gifts received by government officials. Under the new regulations, all current and future gifts must be deposited into the Toshakhana within 30 days of receipt from foreign trips, while gifts ordered separately must be deposited within 60 days. Failure to comply will result in legal action under the Toshakhana Act.

Most gifts will now be sold through open public auctions, with the proceeds earmarked for the education of girls in underprivileged areas. However, items of historical, cultural, or diplomatic sensitivity, as well as high-value gifts from foreign heads of state, may be exempted from auction. A committee led by the Cabinet Secretary, including representatives from the Finance, Foreign, Law, and Culture divisions, will determine which items are preserved and which are auctioned.

To ensure fair pricing, market values will be determined by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and private assessments. If a discrepancy of more than 25 percent exists between estimates, a third-party valuation will be sought. The rules also permit the use of approved generative AI to provide reference values for gift pricing. Government officials and their families are strictly prohibited from participating in these auctions.