Electric Cars, Rolexes & Vases: What Pakistan’s Top Leaders Got from Foreign Dignitaries

Remember that feeling when a friend gives you a gift, and it’s just perfect? Maybe a new gadget you’ve been eyeing, a book you mentioned once, or a simple coffee mug that just screams “you.” You know, that moment when a present isn’t just an item but a sign of connection and mutual respect. Now, imagine that on a global scale. Only, instead of a coffee mug, you’re getting a luxury watch, an electric car, or a priceless antique. That, my friends, is the world of the Toshakhana—a kind of VIP gift repository where Pakistan’s top officials and dignitaries deposit presents they receive from foreign states.

Lately, the Toshakhana has been a hot topic of conversation, and for good reason. It’s like a peek behind the curtain of state diplomacy, showing us what kind of goodwill gestures are being exchanged. And let’s be honest, we’re all a little curious about what the powerful receive. A recent public release by the Cabinet Division has pulled back that curtain, giving us a fascinating glimpse into the gifts received by Pakistan’s political and military elite during the first half of 2025, from January 1 to June 30.

This isn’t just about a list of names and items; it’s a story about international relations, political transparency, and, well, some seriously lavish presents. What did the Shehbaz-led government reveal, and why does it even matter? Let’s dive into the details and unwrap this fascinating record.

Who’s on the VIP List? A Look at the Recipients

First up, the big names you’d expect. Leading the pack are Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, who, it seems, were quite popular with international guests. But they’re not the only ones on the list. The document reads like a who’s who of Pakistan’s power structure.

• Political Heavyweights: Besides the PM and President, the list includes key ministers like Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema. We also see provincial figures, notably Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
• Military Brass: The Chiefs of the Army, Air Force, and Navy were also among the recipients, underscoring the vital role the military plays in diplomatic exchanges.
• Senior Bureaucrats & Others: The record goes deeper, mentioning high-ranking officials such as the NAB Chairman, Commerce Minister, and various secretaries. Even personalities like former cricketer Wahab Riaz and diplomat Tariq Fatemi made the list, showing just how wide the net of state gifting can be.

Here’s the funny part: It’s not just foreign dignitaries doling out gifts. The records also show a shield presented to the Prime Minister by the Chief Justice of Pakistan and another from the Chairman of the FBR, reminding us that these exchanges happen internally as well.

The Gifts Themselves: From Mundane to Jaw-Dropping

If you’re picturing just a bunch of fancy pens and framed photos, think again. While the list does include standard diplomatic fare—shields, plaques, and vases—it also features some items that will make you do a double-take.

• Luxury Watches: A handful of recipients, including Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and prominent officials, received Rolex and Tudor watches. We’re not talking about a simple Timex here, but high-end timepieces that can cost a small fortune.
• Electric Cars: Yes, you read that right. Both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari were gifted brand-new electric vehicles from foreign heads of state. This is a game-changer, as these aren’t just trinkets; they’re significant assets.
• Unique Cultural Artifacts: The list also includes beautiful items like handmade silk carpets, traditional Uzbek chapans, and a Golden Kris from the Shah of Selangor, Malaysia. These gifts aren’t just valuable in monetary terms; they hold immense cultural significance.
• Everyday Items (for a State Official): And then there are the more relatable gifts, at least by name: coffee sets, tea sets, ties, bed sheets, and prayer mats. You have to wonder, who receives a bed sheet from a foreign dignitary? It’s a reminder that not every gift is a Rolex, but they all carry the weight of diplomatic courtesy.

Why Is This All Being Revealed Now?

This public release is part of a broader push for transparency. The Shehbaz-led government has already made the Toshakhana records from 2002 to the end of 2024 public, and even older records from 1997 to 2001 have been released. This isn’t just a random act of goodwill; it’s a strategic move to restore public trust and shed light on a system that has long been shrouded in secrecy.

The whole point of the Toshakhana is to formalize the process of receiving gifts. When a head of state gets a gift, it’s not a personal item; it’s considered property of the state. Officials can either deposit the gift into the Toshakhana or, in many cases, purchase it for a set percentage of its assessed value. This is where things get tricky, and where transparency becomes so crucial. The ongoing valuation process for the latest gifts shows that the government is trying to put a number on these high-profile items, which is a key step toward accountability.

Let’s think about it this way: Imagine your boss gets a brand new company car. The company needs to keep a record of it, right? What if your boss could just buy it for a tiny fraction of its worth? That’s the core of the controversy that has surrounded the Toshakhana in the past. Making these records public is an attempt to close that loophole and ensure that state property isn’t treated as personal gain.

FAQs: Decoding the Toshakhana

Q1: What exactly is the Toshakhana? A: The Toshakhana is a government department that stores gifts received by Pakistani officials and dignitaries from foreign governments. The gifts are considered state property, not personal items.

Q2: Can officials keep the gifts they receive? A: Yes, but with rules. They can either deposit the gift into the Toshakhana or, if they choose to keep it, they must pay a certain percentage of the gift’s value to the government. The rules for how much they have to pay have changed over time, but the principle remains the same.

Q3: Why is the public release of these records so important? A: Releasing the records promotes transparency and accountability. It allows the public to see who is receiving gifts and what the nature of those gifts is, helping to prevent the misuse of state property for personal benefit.

Q4: How are the gifts valued? A: A valuation committee assesses the value of the gifts. The Cabinet Division has stated that the valuation process for the gifts received in the first half of 2025 is still ongoing.

A Final Thought

As we close the book on this latest chapter of the Toshakhana records, it’s clear that this isn’t just a list of who got what. It’s a barometer of our country’s commitment to transparency and a fascinating look at the intricate dance of international diplomacy. The act of making these records public is a positive step, but it also raises new questions. What will the final valuations be? Will the public be satisfied with the process? Only time will tell, but for now, we have a little more clarity—and a lot more to talk about—when it comes to the gifts of power.