Introduction
Imagine a young, energetic leader stepping into the chaotic world of Pakistani politics with a mission to empower the youth. That’s Usman Dar, a well-known Pakistani politician and a key figure in the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Born in Sialkot, Dar has made headlines for his bold moves, youth-focused initiatives, and a political journey filled with ups and downs. From launching the game-changing Kamyab Jawan Program to facing controversies that shook his career, Usman Dar’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and drama.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Usman Dar’s life, his rise in PTI, his achievements as a youth leader, and the controversies that have kept him in the spotlight. Whether you’re curious about his political career or want to know more about his impact on Pakistan’s youth, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
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Early Life and Education
Usman Dar was born on August 28, 1974, in Sialkot, a bustling city in Punjab, Pakistan, famous for its sports goods and leather industries. Growing up in a politically active family, Dar was no stranger to public life. His father, Imtiaz-ud-Din Dar, was a respected politician who served as the City Nazim of Sialkot, giving young Usman a front-row seat to the world of politics. His elder brother, Umar Dar, is also a senior PTI member, making politics a family affair.
Before stepping into the political arena, Usman was a successful entrepreneur. He served as the managing director of VIP Group, one of Pakistan’s largest exporters of leather garments and sportswear. This business background gave him a unique perspective on creating opportunities, which later shaped his political vision.
As for his education, Usman Dar studied at some of Pakistan’s top institutions. He attended the prestigious Government College University (GCU) in Lahore, where he earned a degree that laid the foundation for his leadership skills. His time at GCU exposed him to diverse ideas and a passion for public service, which would later define his career.
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Political Career
Usman Dar’s political journey began when he joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a party led by former cricket star Imran Khan. Inspired by PTI’s vision of a corruption-free Pakistan, Dar left his thriving business to pursue politics full-time. His entry into politics wasn’t just a career shift—it was a bold move to represent the youth of Sialkot and beyond.
Elections and Campaigns
Dar first made waves in the 2013 Pakistani general election, contesting the National Assembly seat from NA-110 (Sialkot-I) as a PTI candidate. Despite a strong campaign, he lost to PML-N’s Khawaja Muhammad Asif, securing 71,573 votes. Undeterred, he ran again in the 2018 general election from NA-73 (Sialkot-II), this time earning an impressive 115,464 votes. However, he was defeated again by Khawaja Asif, a political heavyweight in Sialkot.
Here’s a quick look at Dar’s election results:
| Election Year | Constituency | Votes Received | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | NA-110 (Sialkot-I) | 71,573 | Khawaja Asif | Lost |
| 2018 | NA-73 (Sialkot-II) | 115,464 | Khawaja Asif | Lost |
Despite these losses, Dar’s campaigns showed his growing popularity, especially among younger voters who saw him as a fresh face in a system dominated by traditional politicians.
Roles in PTI and Government
Dar’s dedication to PTI earned him significant roles. In 2018, Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed him as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs, a position that allowed Dar to channel his passion for youth empowerment. He also served as the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, a role that put him at the forefront of initiatives like the Kamyab Jawan Program.
However, Dar stepped down as Special Assistant in February 2021, a move that sparked speculation about internal party dynamics. Despite this, he remained a vocal PTI supporter until his dramatic exit in 2023, which we’ll explore later.
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Major Achievements and Contributions
Usman Dar’s biggest mark on Pakistani politics came through his work as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs. His flagship initiative, the Kamyab Jawan Program, became a cornerstone of PTI’s youth-focused policies.
The Kamyab Jawan Program
Launched in 2019, the Kamyab Jawan Program aimed to empower Pakistan’s youth by providing loans, skills training, and job opportunities. Dar, as the program’s chairman, worked tirelessly to make it a success. The program offered low-interest loans (up to PKR 25 million in its second phase) to help young entrepreneurs start businesses, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
By 2021, over 10,000 young Pakistanis had received loans, and 7,000 of them started their own businesses, creating jobs for others. One inspiring story Dar shared was of Hyder Ali, a differently-abled man from Punjab who used a Kamyab Jawan loan to start a successful cattle farm, supporting his family and proving the program’s impact.
Here’s a snapshot of the Kamyab Jawan Program’s achievements:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Loans Disbursed | Over 10,000 youth received loans by 2021 |
| Businesses Created | 7,000 new businesses established |
| Job Creation | Over 1 million jobs targeted in the first phase |
| Loan Amount (Phase 2) | Increased from PKR 5 million to PKR 25 million |
Dar’s focus on financial inclusion for marginalized groups, like differently-abled individuals, earned him praise as a leader who cared about the underprivileged. His work gave hope to thousands of young Pakistanis dreaming of a better future.
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Controversies and Criticism
Usman Dar’s political career hasn’t been without drama. His time in the spotlight has been marred by controversies, especially in 2023, that have shaped his public image.
The May 9 Riots
In May 2023, Pakistan saw violent protests following the arrest of Imran Khan. Dar, a senior PTI leader at the time, was linked to these events, known as the May 9 riots. In October 2023, after being reportedly “missing” for weeks, Dar resurfaced in a TV interview, making shocking allegations against Imran Khan. He claimed Khan orchestrated the riots, targeting military installations as part of a campaign against Army Chief Asim Munir.
This interview caused a storm. PTI supporters called it a coerced statement, while critics saw it as proof of Dar’s disloyalty. Dar announced he was quitting PTI and politics altogether, citing internal party divisions. His mother, however, rejected his stance and vowed to continue supporting PTI, creating a public family rift.
Legal Troubles
In November 2023, Dar faced legal scrutiny when the Lahore High Court directed him to submit an affidavit in a fraud and cheating case. The case stemmed from allegations that Dar accepted a PKR 2 million bribe to secure a job, a claim he denied. This added fuel to accusations of corruption, though Dar maintained his innocence.
Family Harassment Allegations
Dar and his family also faced alleged political victimization. In 2023, PTI claimed Dar was abducted from Karachi, and his mother accused PML-N’s Khawaja Asif of orchestrating police raids on their Sialkot home. Similar raids were reported in May and December 2023, with Dar’s mother alleging harassment of women and children in the household. These incidents painted Dar as a target of political rivals, particularly Asif, his long-time opponent in Sialkot.
Despite these controversies, Dar’s supporters argue he was unfairly targeted due to his loyalty to PTI and his rising influence. Critics, however, see his actions—especially the 2023 interview—as a betrayal of the party that made him a national figure.
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Recent Developments
As of 2025, Usman Dar’s political status remains uncertain but intriguing. In February 2024, Dar made headlines by accusing Sialkot election officials of pre-poll rigging in the NA-71 constituency. This move sparked speculation that he might rejoin PTI, despite his earlier exit. Posts on X in July 2025 referenced his 2023 interview, indicating that Dar’s allegations against Imran Khan are still a topic of debate.
Dar has kept a relatively low profile since 2023, but his mother’s continued support for PTI and her pledge to contest elections against Khawaja Asif suggest the Dar family remains politically active. Whether Usman Dar will return to PTI or chart a new path is anyone’s guess, but his past contributions and controversies keep him relevant in Pakistan’s political landscape.
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Public Image and Influence
Usman Dar has always been a polarizing figure—loved by PTI supporters and criticized by opponents. His active presence on social media, particularly Twitter (now X), has made him a voice for Pakistan’s youth. Dar frequently shares updates about his initiatives and responds to political developments, earning a loyal following among young Pakistanis who see him as approachable and relatable.
Social Media Presence
Dar’s Twitter account is a hub for his political views and youth-focused campaigns. He often highlights success stories from the Kamyab Jawan Program, like Hyder Ali’s cattle farm, to inspire others. His posts also address Sialkot’s local issues, reinforcing his connection to his hometown.
Popularity Among Youth
As a former Special Assistant on Youth Affairs, Dar’s focus on empowering young people has made him a youth icon. Programs like Kamyab Jawan resonated with a generation eager for opportunities in a challenging economy. Even after leaving PTI, his legacy as a youth leader endures.
Public Opinion
Public opinion about Dar is split. PTI loyalists view him as a dedicated leader who faced political persecution, while critics, especially PML-N supporters, see him as opportunistic. His family’s resilience, particularly his mother’s defiance, has added a layer of sympathy to his public image.
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