Court bars govt from auctioning Toshakhana gifts.

LAHORE -- The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday restrained the federal government from auctioning precious gifts available in the Toshakhana of the Cabinet Division till further orders. A single bench comprising LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan directed the government to submit its reply on a writ petition moved by Advocate Adnan Paracha against Toshakhana items' auction slated for November 15. During the hearing, a state counsel stated that the auction is held in line with the relevant laws. However, the petitioner claimed that the auction is not advertised as only government officials are informed of the auction of precious gifts via letters. These gifts are being given to bureaucrats in

violation of the laws, he added. He said Toshakhana stores gifts given to a president, a prime...