Data Darbar a Glorious Symbol of Pakistan’s Rich Sufi Heritage: Ishaq DarDeputy Prime Minister Pays Homage to Great Sufi Saint

By Dr. Ansab Ali | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that the sacred shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh stands as a glorious symbol of Pakistan’s rich Sufi heritage, spiritual grandeur and progressive vision.
He expressed these views during his visit to Data Darbar, where he paid homage to the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Ali Hajveri and appreciated the ongoing development, expansion and beautification initiatives at the shrine complex.
Upon arrival, the Deputy Prime Minister was warmly received by Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan, Superintending Engineer C&W Muhammad Essa, XEN Fahad Naveed, General Manager NESPAK Adil Nazeer, XEN Auqaf Qaiser Munir and senior officials of the shrine administration.
During the visit, Ishaq Dar offered Salam and Fateha and prayed for peace, stability, prosperity and progress in Pakistan, as well as unity and well-being of the Muslim Ummah.
The Deputy Prime Minister also visited various ongoing development sites within the shrine complex and expressed admiration for the large-scale expansion and modernization projects aimed at facilitating millions of devotees who visit the shrine annually.
He highly praised the leadership and administrative efforts of Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, observing that the initiatives have successfully preserved the spiritual sanctity, historical grandeur and architectural beauty of the shrine while introducing modern facilities for pilgrims and visitors.
Ishaq Dar remarked that improvements in infrastructure, cleanliness, security arrangements, crowd management and public facilities reflect the Punjab Government’s commitment to serving devotees in the best possible manner. He noted that Data Darbar continues to serve as a beacon of peace, spirituality, tolerance and Islamic values, attracting visitors from across Pakistan and abroad.
He further emphasized that preserving and promoting sacred religious sites is essential for strengthening Pakistan’s spiritual identity, cultural heritage and religious tourism sector. He assured that the government would continue supporting projects aimed at improving facilities while safeguarding the historical and religious significance of such revered sites for future generations.
On the occasion, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta briefed the Deputy Prime Minister on ongoing development works, future expansion plans and administrative measures being implemented to ensure maximum comfort, security and convenience for devotees, particularly during large religious gatherings and annual Urs celebrations.
He stated that all development initiatives at the shrine are being executed through a transparent and efficient framework to provide modern facilities without compromising the shrine’s spiritual sanctity and historical identity. He also reaffirmed his commitment to completing all ongoing projects within the stipulated timelines.
The visit concluded with special prayers for national solidarity, lasting peace, economic prosperity and the continued progress of Pakistan.