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) in Lahore. During his visit, he highlighted the teachings of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, particularly his message of love, brotherhood, tolerance, religious harmony and service to humanity.
Ishaq Dar paid homage to the revered Sufi saint and said his teachings continued to inspire people across Pakistan and beyond. He noted that the spiritual legacy of Sufi figures played an important role in promoting peace, mutual respect and social harmony.
The deputy prime minister assured devotees that the government would provide necessary facilities to visitors at the shrine. He particularly emphasised improving arrangements for pilgrims travelling from abroad so they could perform their spiritual visits with comfort and dignity.
Upon his arrival, Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Data Darbar Administrator Muhammad Ali Khan and other officials welcomed Dar. Dr Bhutta briefed him on ongoing expansion, renovation and beautification work at the shrine, along with development initiatives focused on visitor facilities, security and crowd management.
During the visit, Dar inspected the newly constructed passage for female devotees and reviewed the facilities available there. He appreciated the arrangements introduced to make visits more convenient for women. Female devotees present at the shrine also expressed gratitude to Dar and the Auqaf Department for completing the passage and improving visitor facilities.
Dar acknowledged the contributions of the Auqaf Department and shrine management team, including Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Muhammad Ali Khan, DSP Data Darbar Saqib Butt, Khateeb Maulana Nadeem Mukhtar and SDO Rana Zohaib. He also recognised the role of the Communication and Works Department, NESPAK and TEPA in 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 saints remained important for building a peaceful society based on compassion, unity and mutual respect.
At the conclusion of the visit, Ishaq Dar, Dr Ehsan Bhutta and other officials offered Fateha at the shrine. Maulana Nadeem Mukhtar also led special prayers for Pakistan’s security, prosperity, stability and progress, as well as the well-being of the nation.
