What is Toshakhana case in which Pakistan police trying to arrest Imran Khan?

11:06 AM Mar 06, 2023 IST | Ground Report

An Islamabad police team arrived at the Lahore residence of ousted Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday to arrest him in the Toshakhana case, but returned after being assured by his legal team that he would appear in court on March 7.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan could soon be arrested in connection with the Toshakhana case.

The head of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been under fire for buying gifts including an expensive Graff wristwatch he received as prime minister at a reduced price from the state warehouse called Toshakhana and selling them for profit.

The court issued a warrant for Khan’s arrest without bail last week and adjourned the hearing until March 7 for his repeated failure to appear in court. Meanwhile, the Lahore police have closed the main road leading to Khan’s residence in Zaman Park by placing bins.

A large number of PTI workers arrived at Parque Zaman following the news of their possible arrest. ‘Imran Khan’s arrest is our red line and we will not allow it,’ said Shafqat Mahmood, senior leader of the PTI.

TV footage showed police officers in Islamabad police uniforms, as well as Punjab police, being detained by Khan’s supporters outside his residence.

What is the Toshakhana case?

The Toshakhana case is a corruption case in Pakistan that involves the alleged misuse of luxury vehicles gifted to the government by foreign countries. The case was filed against Imran, claiming that he didn’t disclose information on gifts presented to Toshakhana and the proceeds from the “illegal” sale of some the gifts.

The Toshakhana is a state-owned facility where gifts received by the President, Prime Minister, and other government officials are stored. These gifts are supposed to be declared to the authorities, and government officials are required to pay the market value of these gifts to keep them.

Established in 1974, Toshakhana is a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division that stores gifts and other expensive items received by public officials. According to its rules, it is mandatory for officials to report gifts and other materials received by them to the Cabinet Division.

The Toshakhana department is a state facility in Pakistan where gifts received by the president, prime minister and other government officials are stored. The department is responsible for the proper maintenance and upkeep of gifts, which may include valuable items such as jewellery, watches, and other luxury items.

As mentioned above, the Toshakhana case is a corruption case involving the alleged misuse of luxury vehicles gifted to the government by foreign countries.

The case is related to the Toshakhana department because the luxury vehicles were obtained from the department and they were supposed to be properly valued and disposed of according to the rules and regulations.