IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb orders implementation of PIC directive to publicise details of gifts given to ex-PM Imran Khan.

ISLAMABAD -- The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday directed Deputy Attorney General Arshad Kayani to ensure the implementation of the Pakistan Information Commission's (PIC) order to publicise details of the gifts presented to former prime minister Imran Khan by heads of states since he assumed office in August 2018.

IHC Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb issued the directive while hearing two petitions on the matter, one by a citizen seeking implementation of the PIC order and the other by the Cabinet Division challenging that order.

Last year, the PIC had accepted an application on the matter and directed the Cabinet Division to "provide the requested information about the gifts received by Prime Minister Imran Khan from foreign head of states, head of governments and other foreign dignitaries ... description/specification of each gift, information about the gifts retained by the PM and the Rules under which gifts thus received are retained by him".

The Cabinet Division was told to share the required information within 10 working days and upload it on the official website as well.

Subsequently, the Cabinet Division challenged the PIC order in the Islamabad High Court, claiming that it was "illegal, without lawful authority". The then-government took the stance that the disAclosure of any information relaAted to Toshakhana jeopardises international ties.

During Wednesday's hearing, Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb observed that the gifts belonged to the office of the prime minister and were not to be taken home. "People come and go but the [Prime Minister's] Office remains. It is not a big thing if money is given to a certain extent and the gift is kept [with the premier]," he said, adding that the government should form a policy that whatever gift is given is deposited in Toshakhana.

He remarked that Pakistan had gifted a chair to former United States president John F. Kennedy which was displayed in a museum.

Justice Aurangzeb observed that gifts were not only received from foreign dignitaries but were also given to them after being bought from treasury funds. All gifts received from abroad should be put on display, he said.

When the deputy AG sought time from the court to get instructions from the government, Justice Aurangzeb said he could take that time but, in the meantime, the PIC order should be implemented.

"If the information commission ordered that information be provided to the citizen (who filed the application), then do...

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