Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) MNA Abdul Qadir Gilani was robbed of a gold-plated watch valued at over Rs18.4 million while in Barcelona, according to a news report. Â
The theft occurred as Gilani was with his family, holding the watch in his hand. He shared that the timepiece was purchased 13 years ago, when gold prices were much lower.
Gilani, who said his host in Barcelona was also targeted by the thieves, remarked, “As long as there is life, there is the world; such things come and go.” He noted that the current value of the watch has surged, making the theft one of the most expensive street crimes involving a Pakistani public figure abroad in recent memory.
The Gilani family of Multan is a well-known political dynasty, with Abdul Qadir Gilani, his brothers Ali Musa Gilani and newly elected MNA Qasim Gilani, all serving in the National Assembly. They are the sons of former Prime Minister and current Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani. Their other brother, Ali Haider Gilani, is a PPP MPA in the Punjab Assembly. The family is also notable for the coincidence that Ali Musa, Qasim, and Ali Haider were all born on the same day—April 10, 1986.
