The federal government on Tuesday withdrew the appeal filed in the Supreme Court (SC) against the orders of the Lahore High Court (LHC) in the Toshakhana gifts auction case, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

“We want to withdraw the appeal in light of the new rules of Toshakhana,” the deputy attorney general said to the court.

A two-member SC bench, headed by Justice Ijazul Ahsan, conducted the hearing.

“Don’t mention the rules. A lot of embarrassment has already taken place in the Toshakhana issue,” Justice Athar Minallah said.

“If you talk about the rules, a question will arise that under which law the rules have been made. [So] leave the rules and withdraw the appeal if you are withdrawing it,” he added.

“The new law regarding Toshakhana gifts is with the President of Pakistan for approval,” the deputy attorney general told the court.

“Even if the new law is made, the decision of the LHC will remain intact,” Justice Ijazul Ahsan said.

“The LHC declared that Toshakhana gifts are public property,” he added.

“Anyone can participate in the auction of publicly owned gifts. As the gifts are public property, it is not possible that only certain people can buy them,” he remarked.

“The decision of the LHC is correct and according to the law and the Constitution. Only the highest bidder can be entitled to buy the gift,” Justice Athar Minallah stated.

 

Reporter: Amanat Gishkori