Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government is finalizing comprehensive facilities and security measures for the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
- Special Adviser to the Chief Minister Ali Dar chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements.
- Traditional milk stalls, langar, and international Qawwali performances are among the planned activities.
The Punjab government has finalized extensive arrangements for the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), ensuring comprehensive facilities, stringent security, and smooth management for millions of devotees expected to attend. This was confirmed at a high-level meeting chaired by Special Adviser to the Chief Minister Ali Dar at Hajveri Hall, Data Darbar.
Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin, LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmad, Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta, and other key officials attended the meeting. Dr Bhutta highlighted that preparations were progressing rapidly under the supervision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.
Ali Dar emphasized that traditional milk stalls, chilled drinking water, extensive langar, modern ablution facilities, and comprehensive security arrangements would be provided to ensure the comfort, dignity, and safety of devotees. He also mentioned that Mehafil-e-Samaa, international Qawwali performances, and special Naat gatherings featuring renowned performers from Pakistan and abroad would be organized.
Deputy Commissioner Lahore Muhammad Ali Ijaz assured the meeting that comprehensive security, administrative support, and facilitation would be provided to all pilgrims. The DG LDA and officials of the Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) informed the meeting that the under-construction underpass and adjoining roads would be opened before the Urs to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow for devotees.
Administrator Data Darbar Muhammad Ali Khan briefed participants on the shrine’s religious programmes and internal arrangements, while Maulana Nadeem Mukhtar outlined preparations for Seerat and Sufi conferences, religious gatherings, and Qirat and Naat recitation competitions. Dr Bhutta reaffirmed the Auqaf Department's commitment to working in coordination with all relevant departments.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on ensuring the peaceful, dignified, and well-managed observance of the 983rd Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). The government’s efforts reflect its dedication to providing exemplary arrangements for this significant religious event.
The government was making every effort to ensure exemplary arrangements for the Urs, with the comfort, dignity and security of devotees remaining its top priority.
Ali Dar, Special Adviser to the Chief Minister
Traditional milk stalls, chilled drinking water, extensive langar, modern ablution facilities and comprehensive security arrangements would be provided.
Ali Dar, Special Adviser to the Chief Minister
