Metro53 - LAHORE: Ali Dar, Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives, has said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar holds deep spiritual devotion to the revered Sufi saint Data Ganj Bakhsh and considers him a spiritual father.
Speaking in a special interview with senior anchorperson Farukh Shahbaz Warraich, Mr Dar said that Ishaq Dar lost his father at a young age, which strengthened his spiritual attachment to the saint, formally known as Hazrat Ali Hujwiri.
According to Mr Dar, whenever Ishaq Dar is in Lahore, he makes it a point to visit Data Darbar in the early hours of the day to offer prayers and recite Fateha. He said the senior politician believes that the blessings associated with the shrine have played a significant role in his achievements and public life.
Commenting on an incident in which Ishaq Dar briefly lost his balance before a press conference at the Foreign Office during the Islamabad talks related to mediation efforts between the United States and Iran, Mr Dar attributed the episode to exhaustion caused by an exceptionally demanding work schedule.
“He had been working tirelessly and was physically fatigued, which caused him to momentarily lose his balance,” he said.
Speaking about his own routine and future aspirations, Ali Dar said his day typically begins with leaving home for the office at around 8:45am, followed by a packed schedule of meetings, official engagements and administrative responsibilities.
He said he usually returns home by the evening and offers Maghrib prayers with his family.
Reflecting on his long-term goals, Mr Dar said he hopes to leave behind a legacy of public service that will be remembered positively.
“I want to do work that people will remember with appreciation even after I am gone. My aim is to serve in a way that no one has reason to speak ill of me,” he said.
Mr Dar also acknowledged the pressures associated with his family background, saying he constantly strives to prove himself through hard work and performance.
“There are three reasons why expectations from me are particularly high: I am Ishaq Dar’s son, Nawaz Sharif’s son-in-law, and Maryam Nawaz’s brother-in-law. These relationships place additional responsibility on me, and I have to work even harder to prove my capabilities,” he added.
