Zardari donates Rs 5 crore to Khwaja Garib Nawaz trust

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari accompanied by his son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari yesterday offered prayers at the dargah of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and announced a donation of $1 million (Rs 5.11 crore) for the shrine.u00a0"President Zardari prayed here... He announced a donation of $1 million for the shrine," said Syed Zeeshan Kaptan, the khadim (caretaker) of the dargah.

The Holy visit: Asif Ali Zardari carries a traditional offering on his head at the renowned 13th century shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. Zardari and his son Bilawal recited verses from the pocket sized editions of the holy Quran they were carrying. Pic/AFP

According to Kaptan, the father-son duo spent around 10 minutes at the tomb of the Sufi saint also known as Garib Nawaz, and recited verses from the pocket sized editions of the holy Quran they were carrying.

‘He is like Rahul'
After the ziyarat, the father-son interacted with the khadims of the shrine. Interestingly, 24-year-old Bilawal drew instant comparisons with Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi. "Bilawal looks like the Pakistani version of Rahul Gandhi. He is a soft spoken person and a thorough gentleman," said Syed Natik Chishti, another khadim at the dargah, who helped Bilawal and President Zardari perform their prayers.

"We were very impressed by Bilawal. He seems so full of energy, has a kind and clean heart. He is just like Rahul Gandhi," he added.u00a0Chishti said Bilawal held his hand and asked him to pray for the harmonious relations between the two countries. Both Zardari and Bilawal offered separate chadars at the shrine, which they had brought from Pakistan and also received gifts from the khadims.u00a0