Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reviews renovation and expansion work at Data Darbar, appreciates new facilities for female devotees and pledges improved arrangements for pilgrims.
LAHORE:Â Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving facilities at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), emphasizing the importance of the Sufi saint’s teachings of love, brotherhood, tolerance and service to humanity.
During his visit to the shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, Dar paid homage to the revered saint, whose spiritual teachings have inspired millions of devotees in Pakistan and around the world for centuries.
Dar said the teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh represented a lasting message of peace, religious harmony, fraternity and compassion. He noted that the legacy of prominent Sufi saints continued to contribute to promoting tolerance and strengthening social harmony.
The deputy prime minister assured devotees that the government would provide the necessary resources and facilities to improve services at the shrine. He particularly highlighted the need to facilitate pilgrims arriving from abroad, saying they should be able to undertake their spiritual visits with comfort, dignity and ease.
Upon his arrival, Dar was received by Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Data Darbar Administrator Muhammad Ali Khan and other officials.
Dr. Bhutta briefed the deputy prime minister on ongoing expansion, renovation and beautification work at the shrine. He also explained development initiatives aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims, strengthening security and ensuring better management of visitor movement.
During the visit, Dar inspected the newly constructed passage designated for female devotees and reviewed the facilities available to them. He appreciated the progress made, particularly the arrangements intended to make visits more convenient for women.
Female devotees present at the shrine also expressed their gratitude to Dar and the Auqaf Department for completing the new passage and improving facilities for women visitors.
The deputy prime minister acknowledged the collective efforts of the Auqaf Department, including Dr. Bhutta, Administrator Muhammad Ali Khan, DSP Data Darbar Saqib Butt, Khateeb Maulana Nadeem Mukhtar, SDO Rana Zohaib and other members of the shrine management.
He also appreciated the contributions of the Communication and Works Department, NESPAK and TEPA to the development project.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Dar said adequate resources would be provided to improve religious and spiritual sites and ensure better services for devotees.
He stressed that the teachings of Sufi personalities such as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh remained important for building a peaceful society founded on compassion, mutual respect and unity.
At the conclusion of the visit, Dar, Dr. Bhutta and other officials offered Fateha at the shrine. Maulana Nadeem Mukhtar led special prayers for Pakistan’s security, prosperity, stability and progress, as well as the well-being of the nation.
About The Author
