Ali Dar defends political legacy, vows AI-driven transformation of Punjab

ISLAMABAD: Ali Mustafa Dar, Adviser to Punjab Chief Minister on Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives, has said his family endured unprecedented victimisation under former premier Imran Khan and during earlier political upheavals that saw Nawaz Sharif removed from power three times.

In an interview, Ali said criticism of politicians’ children taking up public roles is often misplaced, arguing that individuals raised in political households naturally develop an understanding of governance and public service.

“If a doctor’s child becomes a doctor, no one objects. If someone from a military family joins the army, it is considered natural. Similarly, children raised in political households grow up immersed in discussions about leadership and civic responsibility,” he said.

Ali said his father, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, and his family faced imprisonment, exile and public scrutiny due to their political stance. He alleged that in 2017, their Lahore residence was turned into a shelter by the PTI government, charitable accounts were frozen and media restrictions limited his father’s ability to present his case. He maintained that subsequent court decisions cleared his father of wrongdoing.

Ali said he worked closely with Nawaz during his nearly three-year exile beginning in 2019 and helped reactivate the party’s political office. Responding to criticism over his appointment in the Punjab cabinet, he said individuals from political families are often subjected to scrutiny regardless of merit.

Explaining his decision to return to Pakistan, Ali said he had built a successful real estate career in Dubai since 2003 but chose to relocate permanently in 2024 to serve the country. He said public office should be treated as an act of service and outlined an ambitious vision for Punjab.

“The goal is for Punjab to lead not just within Pakistan but to become the most AI-enabled province in South Asia,” he said, adding that effective AI integration could enhance public services, improve governance and attract investment.

Read More: Over 80 militants killed in cross-border airstrikes, security sources say

Ali holds a degree in Software Engineering from University College London and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology after completing his schooling at Aitchison College in Lahore.

Since the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz returned to power in 2024, he has reportedly facilitated high-level international engagements, encouraging global business figures to explore investment opportunities in Islamabad and Lahore.

Ali is married to Asma Nawaz Sharif, daughter of Nawaz Sharif and sister of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He is also known for advocating autism awareness, often referencing his personal experience as the father of his 18-year-old son, Ibrahim, who has autism.

In the private sector, Ali founded the HDS Group of Companies in the United Arab Emirates, serving as its chief executive until 2024 before relocating to Pakistan. The group’s operations are now overseen by his younger brother.