Pakistan, Aug. 5 -- The federal government has prepared new Toshakhana rules requiring all public officials to deposit gifts received during official duties within 30 days. The proposed regulations have been approved by the cabinet committee and will come into effect after the federal cabinet grants final approval and an official gazette notification is issued.

Under the proposed rules, any public official who fails to deposit a gift within the specified period will face strict penalties. Officials said the fine could be as high as five times the market value of the gift. Government employees who violate the rules may also face departmental disciplinary action in addition to financial penalties.

The new framework also outlines a clear p...