The 982nd annual bathing (ghusl) ceremony of the shrine of Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hajveri, famously known as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), was held in Lahore with religious devotion and solemnity.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended the ceremony as a special guest, accompanied by provincial ministers Bilal Yasin and Khawaja Salman Rafique. The spiritual proceedings began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by spiritual invocations, along with the offering of floral wreaths.
Attendees prayed for Pakistan’s peace, prosperity, and unity. A large number of devotees from across the country gathered at Data Darbar to participate in the revered ceremony.
Speaking to the media on the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized that the federal and provincial governments are working in harmony to ensure development, security, and religious harmony in the country. He revealed that the government is making special arrangements for the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, with major renovation and expansion projects underway at the shrine.
Dar inspected the extension project adjacent to the darbar and directed authorities to expedite the work. He also announced that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the installation of large umbrellas at the shrine’s mosque, similar to those at Masjid-e-Nabawi in Medina.
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On broader national matters, Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to peace, saying, “We never wanted war; we want peace. The neighbouring country started the war, but Pakistan taught a lesson to a much bigger enemy.” He criticized India's aggression on the night of May 9-10, asserting that Pakistan gave a befitting response and claimed that six Indian planes were shot down. “India was taught a lesson in both air and space,” he added.
Dar also highlighted that Pakistan's position on the global stage has strengthened. “We are now presiding over the United Nations Security Council for the next two years — a rare honour in our history,” he stated, adding that Pakistan condemned Israel's attacks on Iran and offered full support to Tehran. Iran also acknowledged Pakistan as a true and loyal friend, evidenced by pro-Pakistan slogans shouted in the Iranian parliament.
Regarding economic development, Dar said that a $2 billion investment deal was signed during his visit to Azerbaijan. “Inflation is easing, and we are focused on economic recovery,” he remarked, reiterating that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s vision combines economic growth with national security.
Dismissing rumours of a possible political meeting between Nawaz Sharif and PTI Founder Imran Khan, Dar said, “The news of Nawaz Sharif meeting the PTI founder is just a rumour. This may be someone's wish, but not reality.”
The spiritual ceremony concluded with heartfelt prayers, while authorities assured that pilgrims visiting during the upcoming Urs will be provided with all necessary facilities, including shelter, security, and medical aid.
Reports of Nawaz-Imran meeting
A day ago, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had dismissed media reports suggesting that PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif was seeking a meeting with the jailed PTI founder, Imran Khan, saying the party would only respond to an official statement from Nawaz or the PML-N leadership.
PTI sources clarified that no formal proposal had been received and any decision to meet Nawaz Sharif would ultimately be made by the founding chairman himself. "The matter will be brought to his attention in the next meeting," party insiders said.
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The PTI leadership expressed scepticism about reconciliation efforts from the ruling party, particularly in light of alleged "horse trading" and manipulation of reserved seats. Party sources stated that genuine political dialogue cannot coexist with tactics aimed at eliminating opposition representation.
“If the government is serious about reconciliation, it must first change the ground realities,” a PTI source said.
Govt stresses dialogue, goodwill
On the other hand, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry told reporters in Islamabad that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended a gesture of goodwill during the recent budget session by walking over to the opposition benches and shaking hands with PTI leaders Barrister Gohar and Asad Qaiser.
“The prime minister made it clear that we need to talk,” said Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry. “Nawaz Sharif and the PML-N leadership have always supported political understanding.”
He added that the government is ready for dialogue, but the opposition must abandon the "politics of chaos" and cooperate for national progress.
When asked by a journalist whether Nawaz Sharif could manage to get the "door to Adiala Jail open", referring to the release of the incarcerated PTI leaders, the minister responded affirmatively: “Yes, of course. Nawaz Sharif can open the door of Adiala Jail.”
PML-N clarifies Nawaz Sharif's position
Meanwhile, Prime Minister's Advisor Rana Sanaullah, in an exclusive interview with Samaa TV, rejected speculation that Nawaz Sharif would visit Adiala Jail or Bani Gala for a political meeting.
“Nawaz Sharif has a clear stance — all political parties should be engaged in talks, but he is neither going to Adiala nor Bani Gala to convince anyone,” Rana Sanaullah said.
He emphasized Nawaz Sharif’s long-standing commitment to strengthening democracy, adding that the former premier has made immense sacrifices for its cause.
PTI’s Salman Akram Raja terms reports as rumours
PTI leader Salman Akram Raja also denied reports of an imminent meeting between Nawaz Sharif and the PTI founder, calling the speculation "just rumours".
Later in the same day, Adviser to the Prime Minister Rana Sanaullah shrugged off reports about Nawaz Sharif's possible meeting with PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail.
Speaking on Samaa TV programme 'Mere Sawal with Absar Alam', Sanaullah had said: "It is inappropriate to claim that Nawaz Sharif will go to jail and meet Imran Khan. Nawaz Sharif is a senior politician and such statements are disrespectful."
