The former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, has been making headlines today due to a corruption case, which takes us back to the Toshakhana controversy. The high-profile scandal revolved around the sale of state gifts, including a luxurious diamond-studded Graff wristwatch, which ultimately led to the political downfall of the cricket legend-turned-politician. Keep reading to know what happened.
During his tenure as Prime Minister from 2018 to 2022, Khan received several state gifts, one of which was a unique Graff watch gifted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The timepiece, adorned with diamonds and featuring a Khana-e-Kaaba design, symbolised a religious and cultural bond between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
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
According to reports, this priceless watch was part of an opulent gift set, which included cufflinks, a ring, and a pen, collectively valued at an estimated $12 million.
What sparked the controversy was the revelation that Khan had sold the watch for $2 million instead of preserving it as a state possession or declaring it as an asset. The scandal was solved when Dubai-based businessman Umar Farooq Zahoor publicly claimed that he had purchased the watch directly from Khan through an intermediary named Farah Gogi, a controversial figure closely linked to Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
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, known for his collection of luxury timepieces, initially took pride in owning the watch but later expressed regret as the controversy escalated, spoiling his reputation. The sale of the state gift raised eyebrows and set a legal precedent, as it marked the first instance of a prime minister selling state assets for personal gain.
The case led to legal proceedings that concluded with Khan’s conviction. Along with the three-year prison sentence, Khan was also barred from political activities for five years, significantly impacting his future in politics. Throughout the trial, Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), claimed that while the watch had been sold, it was done legally. They vowed to appeal the ruling, asserting his innocence.
Imran Khan made more money in 2 months after becoming Prime Minister from selling Tosha Khana gifts than he had in his entire life.
— Shehzad Ghias Shaikh (@Shehzad89) May 18, 2023
He used to say he had no personal need to become PM but then used as position as PM to financially enrich himself. https://t.co/Af1DT9byoe pic.twitter.com/x4geggvemQ
Pakistan's Toshakhana role
Pakistan's Toshakhana rules allow government officials to keep state gifts after depositing them and paying a specified amount. The Toshakhana, managed by the Cabinet Division, is responsible for holding all such gifts. Imran Khan, however, did not deposit the Graff gift set or other state gifts he received during his tenure. Instead, he sold them, violating these rules. This led to outrage from the gifting states, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and also dragged the renowned jeweller Graff into controversy.