How a priceless Graff watch sent Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan to jail
The word Toshakhana means the 'House of Treasure'. Photo: Social Media
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.
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.
Toshakhana Graff watch (only ONE in the world) gifted by Crown Prince MBS to the State of Pakistan, which was sold for $2M, will be the reason behind Imran Khan’s disqualification. Our Khana Kaba watch was NEVER supposed to be sold for “profit”. Shame on you Imran Dishonest Khan. pic.twitter.com/auqikEHZKz
— Saad Kaiser 🇵🇰 (@TheSaadKaiser) August 3, 2023
- 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.
How Imran Khan sold the rare Graff watch to me in Dubai. I reveal in my interview with @SaleemKhanSafi for broadcast on Geo News. Role of Farah Gogi, Shahzad Akbar and the former First Lady explained and why Shahzad Akbar made fake cases on me. pic.twitter.com/aldvnU0WEt
— Umar Farooq Zahoor (@UmarFaroqZahoor) August 1, 2023
- 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.
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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.