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Hundreds of Gaddi Nashini Claims Rejected: No Official Sajjada Nashin of Bari Imam Shrine

ISLAMABAD (Investigative Report): In a significant development concerning the centuries-old shrine of Hazrat Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi, popularly known as Bari Imam Sarkar (RA), the Islamabad administration has rejected claims by individuals and families seeking recognition as the saint’s Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin.

The administration has made it categorically clear that no individual has been officially appointed or recognized as the Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin of the shrine.

Acting on the directions of the Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, prominent awareness boards have been installed at the entrance of the shrine and at other key locations, advising pilgrims and devotees against being misled by individuals claiming official spiritual authority over the shrine. ‘No one is officially recognized’

According to an Islamabad administration official, the decision followed persistent claims by different individuals and families in Mouza Noorpur Shahan—widely associated with Bari Imam—who present themselves as the rightful custodians or spiritual successors of Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA).

The official said that the administration has not recognised any such individual as the Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin of the shrine.

The development has effectively challenged a long-running dispute in which multiple individuals have reportedly claimed authority over the spiritual seat associated with one of the most revered saints of the Potohar region.
Questions over genealogical and spiritual claims

The administration has also raised questions over the credentials of some of the claimants.
According to the official position, certain individuals making such claims do not have an established genealogical relationship with Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA), while no officially recognised document establishing their succession to the spiritual seat has been presented.

Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA) is traditionally regarded as a descendant of Imam Musa al-Kazim (AS), the seventh Imam. His ancestral association is linked to Karsal, where members of his family continue to reside.

The administration’s position has therefore brought renewed attention to the distinction between being a descendant, devotee, servant or historical associate of a saint and being officially recognised as the custodian or successor of his spiritual seat.
Devotees, servants and successors

Sources familiar with the history of Noorpur Shahan say that several families settled in the area have longstanding associations with Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA). Some are believed to have descended from devotees, servants and people historically associated with the saint.
However, the administration maintains that such an association, by itself, does not establish a person’s right to claim the title of Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin.

The issue becomes particularly contentious where individuals claim to represent the shrine or its spiritual authority without official recognition.
Claimants who arrived generations later

According to the administration, the ancestry of some claimants can reportedly be traced to people who settled in Noorpur Shahan years after the passing of Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA)/

Despite this historical timeline, their descendants are now among those making claims to the spiritual seat associated with the saint.

These competing claims have, according to sources, sometimes created confusion among pilgrims, with different individuals allegedly presenting themselves as the authentic Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin.
Administration moves to end confusion

The installation of official information boards appears to be an attempt by the Islamabad administration to draw a clear line between the shrine’s government-administered affairs and private claims of spiritual succession.

The notices are intended to inform visitors that the shrine is administered through the relevant government authorities and that no individual has been officially recognised by the government as the Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin of Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA).

The administration’s position could have far-reaching implications for the individuals and families who have historically claimed spiritual authority associated with the shrine.

For devotees, however, the message is straightforward: no claimant can present himself as the officially recognised Gaddi Nashin or Sajjada Nashin of Bari Imam Sarkar (RA) on the basis of government recognition.

The controversy also raises broader questions about the historical basis of competing claims, the distinction between spiritual lineage and shrine administration, and who—if anyone—has the legitimate authority to claim succession to the spiritual legacy of Hazrat Bari Imam Sarkar (RA).

Sada-e-Sach will continue to investigate the historical records, genealogies and official documents relating to the competing claims surrounding the shrine.

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OPF Chairman Stresses Sufi Teachings at Awards Ceremony Recognizing National Icons

Sham e Qalandar Organized dy Daily Sada-e-Sach in collaboration with National Press Club

Islamabad: Chairman Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) Syed Qamar Raza Naqvi said that Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar taught humanity the values of love, tolerance, and service to mankind. He added that if the teachings of saints are adopted in practical life, half of society’s problems would automatically be resolved.

He expressed these views while addressing the concluding ceremony of “Sham-e-Qalandar”, jointly organized by the National Press Club and Daily Sada-e-Sach at the Mehdi Hassan Auditorium, Radio Pakistan, Islamabad where awards and honors were distributed among outstanding individuals from various fields across the country.

The evening began with soulful qawwali performances by Jawad Ali Malang and Bakht Ali Dhudial, which were taken to spiritual heights by renowned Pakistani qawwal Arif Feroz Khan. His distinctive style filled the gathering with deep spiritual emotion, leaving many in the audience moved to tears.

Addressing the ceremony, the OPF Chairman said that personalities like Arif Feroz Khan are a national pride who have spread the true message of Islam and introduced many non-Muslims to its teachings. He emphasized that the awards presented to high-achieving individuals from diverse fields are not merely honors but beacons of guidance for the entire nation, reminding everyone that true success lies in service and dedication.

Chief Editor Daily Sada-e-Sach, Syed Tabassum Abbas Shah, and President National Press Club, Azhar Jatoi, welcomed all participants. Prominent personalities and experts from various walks of life attended the ceremony. Chairman OPF Syed Qamar Raza Naqvi was the Chief Guest and Prime Minister’s Focal Person for the Youth Programme Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi attended as Special Guest.

During the awards ceremony, honors were conferred upon distinguished individuals for their exceptional services. Arif Feroz Khan (Qawwal) was awarded the title “Safeer-e-Mawaddat” for conveying the true message of Islam to non-Muslims. Renowned geologist Dr. Rafiq-ul-Hasan Baqri, author of over 100 books and discoverer of several oil and gas reserves, was also honored.

Dr. Hussain Ahmed, a PhD scholar who did PhD on Hazrat Ameer Kabeer Syed Ali Hamdan (Shah Hamdan) from NUML University, and Dr. Shahid Abbas, recognized globally for research in allergy, vaccines, and modern medicines, received awards for bringing international recognition to Pakistan.

Former Director General Federal Directorate of Education Dr. Ali Ahmed Kharal was honored for improving educational standards in the federal capital. Environmental writer Chaudhry Muhammad Arshad was recognized for raising awareness about climate change in Pakistan and abroad.

Raja Haroon Hafeez received an award for his valuable services in sports nationally and internationally, while businessman Chaudhry Farrukh Raza was honored for organizing Pakistan’s largest celebration on the birth of the grandson of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Dr. Abbas Shah was awarded the title “Health Ambassador” for successfully treating thousands of patients and encouraging medical tourism to Pakistan. For promoting the message and remembrance of Imam Hussain (AS) among youth, Syed Joun Ali Kazmi (Salar Karwan-e-Shah-e-Chiragh) was awarded “Salar-e-Pakistan.”

Prime Minister’s Focal Person Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi received the title “Youth Ambassador” for his continuous efforts toward youth development beyond political affiliations. Chairman OPF Syed Qamar Raza Naqvi was conferred “Overseas Ambassador” for his services to overseas Pakistanis and for improving Pakistan’s global image.

Jawad Ali Malang and Bakht Ali Dhudial received “Young Singer Awards.” Principal Information Officer Press Information Department Mubashir Hassan was honored as “Best PR Professional” for strengthening government-media relations, while Ali Nawaz Malik received the “Best Press Minister” award for effectively highlighting Pakistan’s stance abroad and countering negative propaganda.

Awards were also announced for Provincial Secretary Information & Culture Syed Tahir Raza Hamdani, Director General Radio Pakistan Saeed Ahmed Sheikh, DG PID Lahore Shafqat Abbas, and Director Minister Office Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Amir Raza Malik for their services. Additionally, President PFUJ Afzal Butt was honored for his notable services for press freedom, Dr. Syed Nasir Ali Shah was honored for services in cardiac care, Dr. Tafazal Malik for rehabilitation of disabled patients in Pakistan and USA and Director Federal Government Employees Housing Authority Syed Kazim Abbas for his outstanding public service.

The event was gracefully hosted by Tassawar Zaman Babar who was also awarded Best Compere in recognition of his professional and dignified conduct.

The gathering not only highlighted spiritual devotion but also celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to human welfare and societal development, a purpose highly appreciated by the participants.