How a priceless Graff watch sent Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan to jail

On August 5, 2023, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was handed a three-year prison sentence for his involvement in the Toshakhana case. The cricketer-turned-politician was convicted of selling state gifts and concealing assets while he was the Prime Minister (2018-2022).

The scandal came to light because of a multi-million dollar luxury watch by British jeweller Graff, gifted to him by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, among other expensive gifts received by the former PM.

ALSO READ: What is the Toshakhana case that has been haunting Imran Khan?

The watch

• The story begins with a lavish gift handed to Imran Khan by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – a unique Graff wristwatch with a Khana-e-Kaaba watch face, symbolising a significant religious and cultural connection between the UAE and Pakistan. 
• The watch was part of a gift set, comprising the diamond-dotted wristwatch, a ring, cufflinks, and a pen. 

• The priceless, unique watch was sold by Imran Khan for $2 million. It was intended as a token of goodwill from the Saudi Crown Prince.

However, what followed was a sequence of events that transformed it into a centre of controversy leading to Khan's conviction and arrest.

How?

• Umar Farooq Zahoor, a Dubai-based businessman, emerged as a central figure in this drama.
• Known for his collection of exquisite timepieces, Zahoor claimed to have procured the Graff watch directly from Khan, facilitated by a trusted intermediary named Farah Gogi.
• This was not the first appearance of the name in controversial dealings; the name had previously surfaced in dealings during the prior regime too. Known by various names including Farah Gujjar, Farah Khan, and Farhat Shehzadi, Gogi had a close association with Bushra Bibi, Pakistan's then First Lady and Imran's wife.

• Zahoor initially expressed pride in owning the iconic watch. However, as the controversy escalated, he even contemplated returning the possession due to the resulting damage to his reputation.
• Zahoor asserted that the custom set's value stood at $12 million.
• This was probably the first time a Prime Minister was reported selling the state gifts he received.
• The case led to legal proceedings that culminated in Khan's sentencing. 
• Additionally, Khan has been barred from participating in political activities for five years, casting a shadow over his political future.
• Khan and his party, all this while, had denied the direct sale of the set to Zahoor, but not denied the sale.

ALSO READ: Why Imran Khan can be jailed for a long time

However, Pakistan Tehreekh e Insaaf and Khan's legal team intend to file an immediate appeal, asserting his innocence.

As a former advocate for transparency and accountability in politics, Khan's conviction raises questions about his own adherence to the principles he supposedly stood for.

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