Voice of the People.

Byline: MALIK TARIQ ALI-Lahore

It is normal diplomatic practice that heads of state exchange gifts on a reciprocal basis, as a token of friendship between the two countries, which are paid from national exchequer of their respective states and hence belong to the nation and not individual. In most countries, including America, consumable items like chocolates, dates, fruit can be retained by recipient VVIP.

In addition, the recipient can retain these gifts as a memento if their value is below a certain amount which is usually around $200. In Pakistan there are two limits respectively under Rs30,000 or above. In India the limit is Rs5000 and anything above this value can be bought at prevailing market value and amount deposited in national treasury. There is a moral and ethical issue involved, and people holding important constitutional offices are expected to behave in a dignified manner to serve as role models. There are numerous Hadiths which regulate Maal-e-Ghanimat.

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