LHC to Toshakhana chief: Submit affidavit by Feb 21 or face court contempt.

LAHORE -- The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Tuesday warned the Toshakhana chief of contempt proceedings if he failed to submit his affidavit and a comprehensive report, till February 21, of those who had obtained gifts from the Toshakhana since 1947.

A single member bench comprising Justice Asim Hafeez heard the plea, seeking direction from the authorities concerned to provide details of dignitaries, bureaucrats, and officials who had obtained gifts from Toshakhana since 1947.

The judge warned Toshakhana officials that contempt proceedings would be initiated if the affidavit of the relevant official was not submitted before the court by February 21.

During court proceedings, Justice Hafeez questioned where were the Toshakhana department chief and his affidavit. Another officer, representing the Toshakhana, parried the court's query which irked the judge who then asked why contempt proceedings could not be initiated against the concerned officer.

The section officer told the court that they are pondering whether to make details of the Toshakhana gifts public.

The court has nothing to do with it, Justice Hafeez remarked, adding that the LHC had sought details of Toshakhana gifts along with the affidavit.

The petitioner's counsel, advocate Azhar Siddique, argued that this was mala fide on part of the Toshakhana whose officers seemed reluctant in complying with...