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LHC bars govt from non-public auction of Toshakhana gifts

LHC bars govt from non-public auction of Toshakhana gifts
November 17, 2020

The LHC suspended notification regarding non-public auction of Toshakhana gifts by federal government till November 23.

A single bench comprising LHC Chief Justice Muhammad Qasim Khan directed the government to submit its reply on a writ petition moved by Advocate Adnan Paracha against Toshakhana items’ auction slated for November 15.

During the hearing, the chief justice remarked that the process does not seem transparent from the start and asked why is only civil bureaucracy and army officers are eligible for this and the rest are insects.

A state counsel stated that the auction is held in line with the relevant laws. However, the petitioner claimed that the auction is not advertised as only government officials are informed of the auction of precious gifts via letters. "These gifts are being given to bureaucrats in violation of the laws," he added.

The LHC suspended the operation of a government notification regarding the November 25 auction of Toshakhana items. The court directed the government to submit its response to the petition by December 9. It also put the attorney general on notice.