The role of Darbars (Sufi shrines in Pakistan) in the shadow of government (Auqaf)

This chapter contributes to the non-Western Public Administration literature by building on the case of contemporary Islamic institutions, known as Darbars (Sufi-Shrines), in Pakistan. With their rich, centuries old history and traditions, these darbars have been providing public value to wider segments of society. Using go-along- method of ethnography and follow-up interviews, field notes were maintained and the data was analysed carefully. While operating under the shadow of the state (Ministry of Auqaf) which has the complete administrative oversight, these darbars and the state co-create services for the community that goes beyond food and shelter. These institutions serve as a source of revenue for the state while adding to mental, social and economic well-being of people. The case study of two darbars (Baba Farid and Khawaja Noor Muhammad) with varying size, location, number of visitors adds to the empirical and theoretical knowledge on Islamic public value.