Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Abdul Qadir Gilani was recently robbed of a gold-plated watch worth over Rs18.4 million in Barcelona, Spain. The incident took place while Gilani was with his family, turning an otherwise peaceful trip into a high-profile case of street crime involving a Pakistani public figure abroad.
According to Gilani, the luxury watch was purchased 13 years ago when gold prices were much lower. “Back then, gold was cheaper; now it is three times higher,” he explained. The sentimental and financial value of the watch makes this theft one of the most expensive such incidents in recent memory involving a Pakistani politician overseas.
Details of the Robbery
The robbery occurred in Barcelona, a city popular among tourists but also known for pickpocketing and street crimes. Gilani revealed that the watch was in his hand when it was snatched, and his host in Barcelona was also robbed during the incident. The MNA remained calm about the loss, saying, As long as there is life, there is the world; such things come and go.
Given the current value of gold, the stolen gold-plated timepiece has appreciated significantly since its purchase, underscoring the financial magnitude of the crime.
The Gilani Political Dynasty
The Gilani family of Multan holds a prominent place in Pakistani politics. Abdul Qadir Gilani’s father, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, is a former prime minister and currently the Chairman of the Senate. The family’s influence extends across multiple levels of governance:
- Abdul Qadir Gilani – PPP MNA
- Ali Musa Gilani – PPP MNA
- Qasim Gilani – Newly elected PPP MNA
- Ali Haider Gilani – PPP MPA in the Punjab Assembly
In a unique coincidence, Ali Musa and Qasim Gilani are twins, and their brother Ali Haider shares the same birth date — April 10, 1986. This makes the current National Assembly home to a rare set of twins in Pakistani politics.
Past Controversies
The Gilanis have often been in the media spotlight, sometimes due to political events and at other times because of controversies. In August 2024, unverified allegations surfaced claiming that Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, along with Abdul Qadir Gilani, Ali Qasim Gilani, and their sister Fiza Batool Gilani, traveled to London using public funds.
Ali Qasim Gilani dismissed the allegations, stating that the trip was entirely private and fully funded by the family. “It did not cost the taxpayers a single penny,” he clarified.
Street Crime in Barcelona: A Growing Concern
Barcelona, while known for its cultural beauty and tourism appeal, has also been flagged as a hotspot for petty crime. According to Spanish police data from 2023, pickpocketing and street theft account for nearly 45% of all reported crimes in the city. Tourists and high-profile visitors, often carrying valuables, are common targets.
This latest case involving Abdul Qadir Gilani highlights how even political figures are not immune to the risks of street crime abroad.
Political Figures Targeted Abroad
This is not the first time a Pakistani political figure has been targeted overseas. In previous years, other public personalities have reported losing valuables or facing scams while traveling. Such incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and security precautions, especially for those in the public eye.
Public and Media Reactions
News of Abdul Qadir Gilani’s watch theft quickly spread across Pakistani media and social networks. While some sympathized with his loss, others used the incident to highlight concerns about overseas travel safety for public figures. There were also discussions about the value of the watch, with some pointing to it as a symbol of the wealth disparity between political elites and the average citizen.
Gilani’s composed response — emphasizing that material possessions come and go — drew praise from supporters who saw it as a sign of humility.
The Value of the Stolen Watch
When Gilani bought the watch over a decade ago, gold prices were significantly lower. Over the years, gold’s market value has surged, making the piece worth more than Rs18.4 million today. According to the World Gold Council, global gold prices rose by over 300% between 2010 and 2024, explaining the sharp increase in the watch’s valuation.
The timepiece was more than just a luxury accessory; it was a statement of personal history and prestige, now lost to theft.
The theft of Abdul Qadir Gilani’s Rs18.4 million gold-plated watch in Barcelona is a reminder that street crime remains a global concern, sparing neither ordinary citizens nor high-profile politicians. The incident also casts a light on the Gilani family’s enduring prominence in Pakistani politics and the challenges public figures face both at home and abroad.
As the investigation continues, the story stands as both a cautionary tale about travel safety and a reflection of how quickly circumstances can change — even for the most influential.
