LAHORE: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar has said the timeless Sufi teachings and spiritual philosophy of Makhdoom-ul-Auliya Hazrat Ali bin Usman Al-Hajveri (RA), popularly revered as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), continue to illuminate humanity with a universal message of peace, tolerance, brotherhood, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.
He expressed these views while attending as chief guest the prestigious and spiritually significant 983rd annual Ghusl Mubarak ceremony held at the revered shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) under the auspices of the Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department. A large number of dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Minister for Auqaf Ch Shafay Hussain, Minister for Health Kh Salman Rafique, Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin, Chairman of the Religious Affairs Committee of Data Darbar Ali Dar, Chairman LDA Marghoob Ahmad, Senior Member Board of Revenue (SMBR) Nabeel Javed, Secretary Auqaf Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary Home Ahmad Javed Qazi, Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, CCPO Bilal Siddique Kamyana, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran, and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain (R) Muhammad Ali Ijaz. Other attendees included members of the Religious Affairs Committee, officers of the Auqaf Department, religious scholars, spiritual leaders, Sajjada Nasheens, and a large number of devotees.
Dar, accompanied by dignitaries, had the honour of participating in the ritual washing of the holy shrine with rose water and joined special prayers for Pakistan’s peace, stability, prosperity, national unity, and the welfare of the Muslim Ummah. He reviewed the ongoing large-scale expansion and development project at Data Darbar aimed at facilitating millions of devotees, promoting religious tourism, and preserving the shrine’s rich spiritual and historical heritage. Dr Ehsan Bhutta briefed him on the progress of the project, highlighting that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, extensive development works are underway including the improvement of access routes, construction of spacious corridors, modern ablution and washroom facilities, enhanced lighting systems, landscaping, beautification initiatives, crowd-management measures, and the provision of a safer and more comfortable environment for visitors. Bhutta emphasized that these development and conservation initiatives are designed not only to improve facilities for devotees but also to further enhance the dignity, architectural beauty, and historical significance of one of the subcontinent’s most revered spiritual landmarks.
Following the Ghusl ceremony, Dar inaugurated a special Photographic Gallery established at the Religious Affairs Committee Room at Data Darbar. The gallery showcases 20 rare and historic photographs depicting the evolutionary journey, architectural transformation, and developmental milestones of the shrine and mosque across different eras. Dar toured the gallery and described it as a commendable initiative for preserving and promoting the religious, cultural, and historical legacy of Data Darbar for future generations.
Expressing satisfaction over the quality, pace, and vision of the ongoing development works, the deputy prime minister appreciated the dedicated efforts of Bhutta and his team, reaffirming that safeguarding the spiritual grandeur, historical significance, and visitor facilities of Data Darbar remains a collective national responsibility. He observed that Data Darbar stands among the most revered spiritual centres of the subcontinent and that preserving its sanctity, heritage, and service standards for devotees is of paramount importance.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, he distributed commemorative shields among members of the management team in recognition of their outstanding services and exemplary arrangements for the successful conduct of the 983rd annual Ghusl Mubarak ceremony. Bhutta expressed gratitude to all departments and institutions that contributed to the successful organization of the event.
He paid a special tribute to a 15-member Punjab Tourism Force team specially deputed at Data Darbar, as well as the district administration, Lahore Police, Auqaf officials, and all supporting departments for their exceptional coordination, professionalism, dedication, and meticulous arrangements, which ensured a spiritually uplifting, secure, and well-managed ceremony for thousands of devotees.
