LAHORE, March 13: Punjab Tourism Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal and Adviser to Chief Minister Rana Ijaz Ahmad Khan performed the ghusal ceremony of the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh here on Thursday evening.

Thousands of litres of rose water was used for the purpose. A large number of devotees present on the occasion prayed for the integrity and solidarity of the country, unity of the Ummat and thwarting of the designs of the enemies of Islam to destroy Iraq. Allama Maqsood Ahmad Qadri led the prayers.

Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi was to perform the ceremony but he could not turn up due to some other pressing engagements. Police took extra security measures in view of the expected participation of the chief minister in the ceremony. Hundreds of policemen swarmed the shrine and denied entry to journalists and newspaper photographers.