Indian blessings to win in Pakistan elections?

Pakistan is heading for the elections. And like all, the candidates are wooing their voters and praying for their success in the polls.

Pakistan national assembly election on July 25 has a Rajasthan connection. Many of the candidates are seeking “blessings” from Sufi shrines in India, including the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz in Ajmer.

Syed Imran Shah Wali of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, who is contesting from Sahiwal in Punjab province, has vowed to visit the dargah if he wins. The two-time member of national assembly has offered prayers through his priest at the shrine.

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Former Pak PM Raja Pervez Ashraf of Pakistan People’s Party, who is contesting from Rawalpindi and faces a triangular contest, has also offered prayers through his priest at Ajmer dargah. Ashraf, who visited the shrine as prime minister in 2013, is waiting for a second visit with his family. “My only wish and prayer are to see my party emerge as the single largest party in polls. Our party is committed to maintaining good relations with neighbors, especially India.”

Syed Bilal Chishti, a khadim (priest) at the dargah who has offered prayers for Pakistan political leaders, including presidents and prime ministers, said he is flooded with request to offer prayers. “Our prayers are with those parties who will walk the path of the Sufi saint and work for an egalitarian society.”