The recent release of the details of the State Repository from 2002 to 2023 by the federal government has caused quite a stir in Pakistan. The list includes many big names, including former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, PTI Chairman and former PM Imran Khan, Maryam Nawaz, former President Asif Ali Zardari, current President Arif Alvi, and others who received gifts from the State Repository, also known as Tosha Khana. Many of them have been accused of violating rules and laws while receiving these gifts.
The demand for the release of details from 1988 to the present by former Federal Minister Fawad Chaudhry has added fuel to the fire. He has also demanded that the details of gifts received by Army Generals and Judges should also be made public. Chaudhry believes that nobody should be considered a holy cow, and every individual, regardless of their status, should be held accountable for their actions.
The release of the details of gifts received by politicians from Tosha Khana is a positive step, as it is the right of the public to know who received what and at what cost. Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a democratic system of government, and the public has the right to be informed about the actions of their elected representatives.
However, it is surprising that the government kept some information secret. It would have been more appropriate if the government had released all the details before the demand from Fawad Chaudhry. If the government had done so, it would have been appreciated by everyone and would have shown the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
In addition to the domestic laws of Pakistan, international laws also uphold the right to access information. The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognizes the right to freedom of expression, which includes the right to seek and receive information. This means that the people of Pakistan have the right to access information about the actions of their government and elected representatives.
The United Nations Convention against Corruption also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government activities. The convention requires member countries to promote public access to information and the transparency of government activities, including those related to the receipt of gifts by public officials.
The release of the details of the State Repository from 2002 to 2023 is a positive step towards fulfilling Pakistan’s obligations under international law. It demonstrates the government’s willingness to be transparent and accountable to the public, and it sets an example for other countries in the region.
However, there is still more work to be done to ensure that the right to access information is fully protected and respected in Pakistan. This includes strengthening laws and institutions that promote transparency and accountability and ensuring that individuals and institutions that violate these laws are held accountable.
