LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Wednesday sought complete record from the federal government about auctions held for Toshakhana gifts during the past five years.
Taking up the plea of Advocate Adnan Paracha against Toshakhana items’ auction, the court issued directives to concerned government authorities to submit a detailed report in the regard on December 13th.
During the previous hearing on November 25, the court had restrained the federal government from auctioning precious gifts in the Toshakhana of the Cabinet Division till further orders.
Appearing before the court, a state counsel had submitted that the auction was held in line with the relevant laws. However, the petitioner claimed that the auction was not advertised, as only government officials were informed of the auction of precious gifts via letters.
“These gifts are being given to bureaucrats in violation of the laws,” he had argued. “In order to keep the auction process under wraps, the federal authorities write letters to officials instead of inviting the public to participate in the auction via ads.”
Hearing of the matter was adjourned till December 15th.
