Toshakhana Case: PTI Government Stand Is Legally Correct.
Toshakhana is a word of persian origin which means treasure house.Toshakhana is a government owned department under control of cabinet division formed in 1971.
According to the news published in dawn on 14 october 2021, Islamabad High Court questioned government over reluctant to give lists of gifts which Prime Minister Imran Khan received since august 2018 when he assumed office.
According to news reports, opposition is saying that a government has no ground to keep toshakhana information secret.
Government in the petition argued that the record of the toshakhana is classified and disclosure of any information related to it jeopardise is international ties.
I believe opposition lawyers forget to read Section 16 (1) (a)(ii) of Right Of Access To Information Act 2017.
Section 16: Information Exempt From Disclosure
ii) If its disclosure is likely to cause damage to interest of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in conduct of international relation
Explanation
In this section “international relations” means relation between Islamic Republic Of Pakistan and
A) The government of any other foreign state and
B) Organisation of which only state are member
Opposition should do proper research work.
Kalsoom Fatima Advocate 