Tag: Gifts

  • CJP Isa deposits expensive gift in Toshakhana

    CJP Isa deposits expensive gift in Toshakhana

    Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa on Monday deposited a luxurious pen gifted to him by the Muslim World League in the Toshakhana.

    The pen, named Bab-e-Kaaba, was gifted to the chief justice by the Muslim World League’s Secretary Muhammad bin Abdul Karim Issa, who met him last month.

    Muslim World League is an international non-governmental organisation headquartered in Makkah with members from all Islamic countries and sects.

    CJP Isa got approval from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the pen has now been placed in the museum of the Supreme Court.

    Toshakhana was established in 1974 which is under the control of cabinet division and is used to store precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats and officials by heads of other governments.

  • Deepika Padukone’s heartwarming gesture for Sania Mirza

    Deepika Padukone’s heartwarming gesture for Sania Mirza

    Indian actress Deepika Padukone recently sent a thoughtful gift to former tennis star Sania Mirza, who expressed her gratitude on social media. Sania took to her Instagram account to share a picture of the gift and thanked the actress, saying, “Thank you Deepika.”

    In her post, Sania also shared a message sent by Deepika, where the actress expressed her admiration for Sania’s achievements. Deepika highlighted Sania’s dedication to self-care and mentioned sending a care package containing various body care items as a token of appreciation.

    Among the items included in the care package were self-care creams and lotions, as well as products from Deepika’s own brand called 82E, including beauty creams and skin and body enhancing creams.

    Before receiving the gift, Sania shared pictures of herself having a good time with her family on social media. These nice pictures gave a peek into Sania’s personal life and made her followers happy.

    Overall, the exchange of gifts between Deepika Padukone and Sania Mirza serves as a heartwarming reminder of the importance of supporting and appreciating one another, especially on occasions like International Women’s Day

  • Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Kya Malik Riaz ka interview Imran Khan ko muskhkil mein daal sakta hai?

    Pakistan is watching a wave of interviews and the latest twist in this unfolding drama has been disclosed by senior journalist Javed Chaudhry in a recent vlog, hinting that Malik Riaz, a property tycoon, is poised to unravel a series of explosive revelations in the days to come.

    Javed Chaudhry’s vlog, providing a sneak peek into an upcoming interview with Malik Riaz, outlined three key points that are expected to rock the political landscape.

    First and foremost, the interview is anticipated to shed light on the staggering Rs460 billion penalty imposed on Bahria Town by the Supreme Court. Riaz is expected to reveal what Saqib Nisar got in return for favors. He will also delve into the details of the 460 billion rupees fiasco.

    Furthermore, the property tycoon is predicted to make startling claims regarding the 2014 protest, alleging that influential figures orchestrated the demonstration to unseat then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

    The revelations will also cover how the sit-in was sponsored and from where and how food was provided.

    Riaz will also talk about why he advised Nawaz Sharif to leave the country for three months after his resignation.

    Riaz is also anticipated to discuss his role in preventing a collaborative effort between Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif against Imran Khan, shedding light on the intricate dynamics that shaped Pakistan’s political landscape.

    Riaz will also openly talk about who played what role during Imran Khan’s government and how they all benefited from it.

    While specific details of the upcoming interview were not disclosed by Chaudhry, he expressed confidence that Malik Riaz’s revelations would be nothing short of bombshells, suggesting a turbulent period ahead for Pakistani politics.

  • Oops! Imran will be formally charged in Toshakhana case next week

    Oops! Imran will be formally charged in Toshakhana case next week

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan will be inducted in the Toshakhana case on May 10 (Wednesday), a judge of the Islamabad District and Sessions Courts Additional Sessions decided on Friday.

    The court also summoned Khan on May 10 to appear in person before the court, rejecting both applications by Imran Khan while giving a verdict in favour of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

    PTI’s lawyers argued that the court can’t directly hear the Toshakhana case. However, the verdict was served.

    Recently, Khan got an extension in bail from Islamabad High Court (IHC) in multiple cases.

    Toshakhana has been at the center of a political storm since 2021 when Khan was accused of hiding details of state gifts he received during his tenure. A case and an investigation pertaining to the same are currently going on.

    Last year, ECP disqualified the PTI chief as a Member of the National Assembly (MNA) in the case after he was found involved in corrupt practices under Article 63(1)(p).

  • ‘I have paid back the total value of the gifts which I retained’: Ahsan Iqbal

    ‘I have paid back the total value of the gifts which I retained’: Ahsan Iqbal

    Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has announced that he has paid back the total value of the gifts which he retained from Toshakhana- when his party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) was in power in 2018.

    In a letter written to the Cabinet Secretary Amir Ashraf Khawaja, Iqbal mentioned that he had taken three gifts from Toshakhana — a Rolex gents watch, a Rolex ladies’ watch and a carpet.

    The planning minister deposited a payment of Rs1,991,000 to the national kitty through a cheque.

    Iqbal said that even though he is “not required to make any additional payment for the same”, he is paying the remaining amount to dispel “any misplaced allegation or even an iota of doubt that I wrongfully benefitted from the gifts”.

    In February, Ahsan Iqbal returned the V8 vehicle he had been allotted and asked the govt to give a him a smaller car, citing the economic crunch in the country as his reason for returning the fuel-guzzling SUV.

  • Maryam Nawaz and Fawad Chaudhry clash on Twitter after he accuses her of getting watch from Toshakhana

    Maryam Nawaz and Fawad Chaudhry clash on Twitter after he accuses her of getting watch from Toshakhana

    Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday accused Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz of retaining a watch from Toshakhana and said that she should be summoned by National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

    He also claimed that this matter should be investigated because “a private citizen got a 2 crore worth watch for 10 lac.”

    Reacting to this, Maryam tagged her Political Secretary Zeeshan Malik to report Fawad for “propagating lies”.

    On Monday, Fawad took to Twitter to share that Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has taken notice of his accusation within a few hours of Maryam’s tweet and pointed out that Supreme Court is quiet when the rights of citizens are suspended in the country.

    In the notice attached with the tweet, the FIA purportedly had asked Fawad to appear in person on Friday (March 17). The tweet was later deleted.

    The Cabinet Division made records of the Toshakhana available to the public on Sunday night.

    Aaj News also aired the false claim related to Maryam, but later apologised to the PML-N leader. However, Maryam Nawaz said that she will take legal action against the channel.

    In a tweet, Maryam said she will lodge a complaint with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) against journalist Amir Mateen for also airing the false claim.

  • Nawaz gets a Mercedes, Zardari BMWs: New list of Toshakhana gifts reveals what previous govts kept for themselves

    On Sunday, the government officially released long-awaited records regarding the gifts received by public office holders from foreign governments and dignitaries since 2002.

    The Toshakhana, established in 1974, is a department under the administrative control of the Cabinet Division and is responsible for the storage of precious gifts given to rulers, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, and officials by heads of other governments and states, as well as foreign dignitaries.

    As per the Toshakhana rules, gifts, presents, and other such materials received by persons to whom these rules apply must be reported to the Cabinet Division.

    The department has been in the news in recent months due to the proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan for “not sharing details” of Toshakhana gifts. The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, announced last month the government’s plan to release the entire record to the public. In addition, officials have been barred from retaining gifts worth more than $300.

    Below are some of the noteworthy gifts kept by political leaders over the years from the Toshakhana:

    Nawaz Sharif

    Nawaz Sharif, the three-time former Prime Minister and PML-N chief, has retained several expensive items over the years. In April 2008, he kept a Mercedes Benz worth Rs4.2 million after paying Rs636,888 for it. In November 2013, he retained a Rolex wristwatch valued at Rs1.18 million after paying a total of Rs243,000 for it and some other items.

    In January 2015, he kept a Piaget wristwatch worth Rs1 million after paying Rs240,000 for it and a box of perfumes. In January 2016, he retained a Christopher Claret watch (Rs2 million), a ring (Rs19.5 million), and a pair of cufflinks (Rs16 million) after paying a total of Rs7.6 million for them and some other items.

    In February 2016, he kept a Dela Cour watch (Rs3.2 million), a ring (Rs8 million), and a pair of cufflinks (Rs5 million) after paying Rs3.2 million for them.

    In October 2016, he retained two Rolex watches, one worth Rs1.2 million and the other Rs850,000, after paying Rs469,000 for them and some other items. In March 2017, his son Hussain Nawaz retained a Rolex watch worth Rs940,000 after paying Rs186,000 for it.

    In May 2017, Nawaz retained a Rolex wristwatch worth Rs4 million after paying Rs808,000 for it.

    Additionally, in January 2016, Nawaz’s wife Kulsoom Nawaz retained a bracelet worth Rs12.7 million and a necklace and earring valued at Rs41.6 million after paying Rs10.8 million for them. In March 2017, Nawaz retained a diamond necklace worth Rs1 million after paying Rs207,560 for it and a table watch.

    Imran Khan

    In September 2018, Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), retained several items from the Toshakhana including a Graff wristwatch (Rs85 million), a pair of cufflinks (Rs5.6 million), a pen (Rs1.5 million), and a ring (Rs8.75 million) by paying Rs20 million for them.

    In the following month of October 2018, he retained a Rolex watch, valued at Rs3.8 million, by paying Rs754,000 for it. He then retained another Rolex watch (Rs1.5m) in the same month by paying Rs294,000 for it. In November 2018, Imran retained another Rolex wristwatch (Rs900,000) by paying a total of Rs338,600 for it along with other items. In October 2019, he retained a boxed watch, assessed at Rs1.9m, by paying Rs935,000 for it.

    In September 2020, Imran retained another Rolex watch, assessed at Rs4.4 million, along with other gifts by paying Rs2.4 million for them. In the same month, his wife Bushra Bibi retained a necklace (Rs10m), bracelet (Rs2.4m), ring (Rs2.8m), and a pair of earrings (Rs1.85 million) by paying Rs9 million for them.

    Asif Ali Zardari

    In January 2009, former President and co-chairperson of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Asif Ali Zardari, retained a BMW car (Rs57.8 million) and a Toyota Lexus (Rs50 million) after paying a total of Rs16.1 million for them. Additionally, he retained another BMW car (Rs27.3 million) after paying Rs4 million.

    In March 2011, Zardari retained a wristwatch (Rs1 million) after paying Rs158,250 for it and other items. Later, in June 2011, he retained a Corum wristwatch (Rs1.25 million) after paying Rs189,219 for it and other items. In October 2011, Zardari retained another Cartier wristwatch (Rs1m) after paying Rs321,000 for it and a gun.

    Arif Alvi

    In October 2019, Samina Alvi, the wife of President Dr Arif Alvi, retained a necklace valued at Rs1.19 million after making a payment of Rs865,000 for it, along with other items in a jewellery box.

    In February 2022, President Dr Arif Alvi retained a Rolex wristwatch valued at Rs2.5 million, after making a payment of Rs1.2 million for it.

    Raja Pervaiz

    In November 2012, former prime minister and National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf retained a Graff wristwatch, which was assessed at Rs890,000. He paid a total of Rs218,000 for the wristwatch and other items.

    Shahid Khaqan Abbasi

    In October 2017, ex-premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi retained a Hublot wristwatch (Rs15 million), a pair of cufflinks (Rs1.2 million), a pen (Rs1.5 million), a ring (Rs3 million), and prayer beads (Rs1.85 million) after paying Rs4.5 million for them. His wife, Sameena Shahid, also retained a jewellery set (Rs99 million) after paying Rs19.99 million for it.

    In November 2017, Abbasi retained a Rolex watch boxset (Rs23 million) after paying Rs4.59 million for it. In April 2018, he retained a Rolex wristwatch (Rs25 million) after paying a total of Rs5.27 million for it and other items.

    Pervez Musharraf

    As per the official record, it was revealed that the total value of the gifts presented to the former military ruler, Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf, in 2004 amounted to more than Rs6.5 million. Among these gifts, a watch gifted to Musharraf in 2005 was worth Rs500,000. Numerous other precious items such as watches, jewelry boxes, and various other gifts were also presented to the former president, who retained them after paying the required amount.

    In 2003, Musharraf’s wife, Sehba Musharraf, received a jewelry box worth over Rs2.6 million. Additionally, on April 6, 2006, she received gifts worth Rs1.65 million, while on August 1, 2007, the value of her received gifts stood at Rs3.4 million. On April 3, 2007, she was presented with gifts worth over Rs10 million, and on January 31, 2007, Musharraf himself received gifts valued at Rs1.4 million.

    Shaukat Aziz

    In 2005, former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz received a watch worth Rs850,000, which was later auctioned off for Rs355,000. Aziz had kept several other gifts by claiming their value to be below Rs10,000. On September 27, 2007, he received another watch worth Rs1.35 million.

    On December 20, 2006, Aziz received gifts worth Rs3.7 million, which he chose to retain. However, during 2006, he returned several other gifts to the Toshakhana. On June 2, 2006, he received a watch worth Rs1.35 million. On January 7, 2007, the former premier received gifts valued at Rs1.8 million. On February 24, 2010, he received a watch worth Rs1.2 million but returned it to the Toshakhana.

    Yousuf Raza Gillani

    In December 2009, former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani’s wife, Fauzia Gillani, retained a jewellery set (Rs2 million) after paying Rs326,043 for it.

  • PM Shehbaz deposits gifts worth Rs270 million in Toshakhana

    PM Shehbaz deposits gifts worth Rs270 million in Toshakhana

    Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has deposited all the gifts that he has received from foreign leaders worth Rs270 million permanently into the Toshakhana.

    According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, “The premier does not wish to retain any of the gift items presented to him during his visits to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, dated April 28 to April 30, 2022.”

    “The Prime Minister desires that as a policy, all precious gifts should be taken on charge by Toshakhana and consequently be permanently displayed at the PM House. The gifts would be displayed in secure display cabinets, equipped with alarm systems, under the responsibility of the Toshakhana.”

    The gifts included a pair of wristwatches (A. LANGE & SOHNE Datograph Fly back — No 242655 and Rolex — model No 326259TBR Sr No 85C423E3), pair of cufflinks (Chopard), one pen (Chopard), a ring (Chopard) and a rosary (Chopard)

    Furthermore, the PM Shehbaz has directed concerned authorities to make arrangements for displaying the gifts so that the general public can be given knowledge of fraternal ties with friendly countries.

    Formed in 1974, the Toshakhana is a government owned department under the control of Cabinet Division of Pakistan. Its main purpose is to secure gifts received by members of parliament, ministers, foreign secretaries, president and prime minister from foreign dignitaries.

  • Alleged audio leak: 5-carat diamond ring for Bushra Bibi from Malik Riaz

    Alleged audio leak: 5-carat diamond ring for Bushra Bibi from Malik Riaz

    Two alleged phone calls between business tycoon Malik Riaz and his daughter Amber have been leaked in which the two can be heard talking about gifting a diamond ring to former First Lady Bushra Bibi in return for a favour that Khan is doing for them.

    Initially, the conversation revolves around Amber talking to her father about Bushra Bibi’s friend Farah Khan — who allegedly acted as a bridge between Amber and Bibi. Amber tells her father that Farah has demanded a five-carat diamond ring for Bibi.

    As per the alleged audio leak, Amber says to her father that she inquired from Farah about a letter and asked, “When will the locks be opened”?

    In the alleged audio leak, it is revealed that Bushra Bibi did not like the ring. According to Farah Khan, the ring is quite ordinary for a First Lady and asked that it be returned and a new one be given.

    When Amber told her father, Malik can be heard saying, “Buy whatever she wants.” Farah also promised Amber that Khan has said that the letter would be given to them tomorrow.

    https://youtu.be/NEsCw5nmKUs

    The conversation is believed to have taken place when Imran Khan was still the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Moreover, the ring is reportedly from Harry Winston.

    Here are some of pictures of Harry Winston rings along with their prices.

    Note: these pictures and prices are for reference only. It is not known what ring was given at what price, only that it was allegedly a Harry Winston ring.

    However, the business tycoon has rejected the claims.

  • Worried about Eid gifts? Here’s where you can get them under Rs1500

    Worried about Eid gifts? Here’s where you can get them under Rs1500

    Eid ul-Fitr, a festival of joy is knocking at our door as Ramzan is about to end. The festival is not just about giving Eidis [cash] but one can also surprise their loved ones with a special Eid gift. However, sometimes a budget problem may arise suddenly but don’t worry, we’ve got your back.

    Important: Keep in mind that the gifts are supposed to be thoughtful yet unique. So one should choose them carefully. The Current has compiled a list of gifts that you can give to your loved ones under Rs1500:

    Customised Basket

    Who doesn’t love customise gifts? You can go to your nearest supermarket and fill your trolley with goodies or some essentials which your beloved one loves. We suggest you choose one favourite colour which your person likes and buy all the things of that particular colour. This type of colour coordinated basket has become very trendy recently and it gives a very distinctive look.

    Sweets

    You can get different types of sweets or get a ready-made sweet box from a sweet shop (we like Bundu Khan) across Pakistan. Giving sweets on Eid is quite a common tradition but giving it will surely add an extra level of joy to your Eid. You can either order place online or can visit their shop.

    Photo frames

    Gift some memories. You can get many photo frames at the price of Rs1500. We suggest you buy minimalistic and light coloured frames. You can check them out on Daraz (they deliver all over Pakistan) or visit any nearest market.

    Neon bangles

    Getting chooriyaan (bangles) is a must for every desi girl, because what is Eid without chooriyan?

    This year get a bit more creative and buy unusual coloured bangles for your female friends and family. You can get these from Khaadi. They brand offering bangles these days ahead of Eid in different branches or you cant just visit your local market.

    Eidi envelopes

    Give Eidi envelopes without Eidi in them. There are several websites out there that sell such envelopes. This year our favourite variety of envelopes is from Mytype.store. They offer very cool neon coloured envelopes with English and Urdu greetings. You can place an online order of a pack of 10 for Rs1250 and guess what: they offer free delivery.

    Bouquet

    Flowers are everyone’s best friend. Take flowers to someone’s home this year as a gesture of love. Zahra Aslam’s shop in Model Town, Lahore has an amazing variety and the prices are comparatively low. From their website, we have found you a classic red roses bouquet for only Rs1500. You can also place an order online or try out https://theflowerstudio.pk/ they have some amazing collection too.

    Mini cake or cupcakes

    Add some more meetha in life! Either you can buy a mini cake or some cupcakes from Layers. Recently, the cake shop has become everyone’s favourite mainly because of their reasonable prices yet high-quality products. Its Lotus-flavoured cake and cupcakes are extremely popular.

    Tie

    You can gift a tie to a man in your life. Ties are a good gift and can give an extra oomph to an outfit. You can check the ties under Rs1500 from Uniworth.