The Punjab government has named Ali Mustafa Dar as Adviser to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for Artificial Intelligence and Special Initiatives. His appointment establishes a new department aimed at promoting technology adoption, AI-driven projects, and innovation-focused policies throughout the province.
In his advisory role, Ali Dar will enjoy the status and powers of a provincial cabinet minister. He will also have the right to attend sessions of the Punjab Assembly under the prevailing laws. According to government sources, his work will prioritize developing forward-looking projects to improve governance, enhance service delivery, and generate employment. AI-enabled solutions and emerging technologies will play a central role in these initiatives.
Academic and Professional Background
Ali Dar has a strong academic foundation in science and technology. He earned a degree in Software Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) and further studied at University College London (UCL). Before moving to the UK in 2000 for higher education, he attended Aitchison College in Lahore.
Professionally, Ali Dar has over two decades of international experience. Since the PML-N government’s 2024 election victory, he has contributed to several country-focused initiatives on a pro-bono basis. He facilitated high-level international engagements for the current government and encouraged foreign investment in Pakistan. He helped arrange visits to Islamabad and Lahore by senior global business figures in technology and real estate sectors.
Advocacy and Personal Life
Apart from his professional work, Ali Dar is a vocal advocate for autism awareness. He has supported initiatives for children with autism and has drawn attention to autism-related issues on social media. He often references his personal experience as a father to his 18-year-old son, Ibrahim, who has autism.
Ali Dar is married to Asma Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and sister of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. He is also the eldest son of Senator Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Ali and his family returned to Pakistan three years ago after staying in the UK with Dar and Nawaz.
In the private sector, Ali Dar established HDS Group of Companies and led it as CEO until 2024. The UAE-based firm focuses on real estate development. Today, his younger brother, Hasnain Dar, oversees the company’s day-to-day operations.
Ali Dar’s appointment marks a clear effort by the Punjab government to harness technology and AI for modern governance and development. It also reflects his extensive experience in international business and his active role in social advocacy.
