Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman’s son and former federal communications minister Asad Mehmood has come under scrutiny over a luxury Rolex watch valued at approximately Rs5.1 million, bringing his Toshakhana dealings and ministerial record into the spotlight.
The controversy centres on a Rolex watch worth $18,499, reportedly received by Asad Mehmood on January 18, 2023, during his tenure as federal minister.
The matter has sparked questions about the handling of expensive gifts received by public officeholders, particularly the declaration, valuation and retention procedures required under Pakistan’s Toshakhana regulations.
According to the federal government’s publicly released Toshakhana records covering 2002 to 2023, gifts received by Asad Mehmood during his ministerial tenure were reported to the Cabinet Division.
The Rolex watch appears in the official record with its status marked as “In process,” making the final documentation of its disposal or retention central to establishing what happened to the expensive timepiece.
Toshakhana Rules and the Rs5.1 Million Rolex
Under Toshakhana regulations, public officeholders must report gifts received from foreign dignitaries and official representatives.
The rules also establish procedures for determining the value of gifts and whether recipients can retain them after making the prescribed payment.
The Rolex entry has renewed attention on the importance of complete public records, including details of payments, valuations and final disposal decisions.
Pakistan Post Recruitment Case Brings Further Scrutiny
Meanwhile, Asad Mehmood is facing a separate accountability process concerning recruitment practices during his tenure as federal communications minister.
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have been examining irregularities involving recruitment and administrative procedures at Pakistan Post.
Investigators have sought relevant records and information concerning appointments made during his ministerial tenure.
The NAB proceedings have also brought renewed attention to the administrative decisions taken while Asad Mehmood headed the Ministry of Communications.
Questions Over Political Accountability
The Toshakhana controversy and Pakistan Post recruitment investigation have placed two distinct aspects of Asad Mehmood’s ministerial record under public scrutiny.
The Rolex matter centres on the official gift record and the documentation of its final status, while the Pakistan Post proceedings concern recruitment procedures and administrative compliance.
The cases highlight the importance of transparency in public office, particularly when expensive gifts and government appointments are involved.
