LAHORE: Punjab Auqaf Department Secretary Dr Ehsan Bhutta claims the far-reaching administrative reforms, transparent financial governance and an unwavering commitment to public welfare has ushered the department into a new era of institutional efficiency, spiritual prosperity and service excellence.

Chairing a departmental review meeting to evaluate April-June quarter performance here on Monday, Dr Bhutta said transforming sacred institutions into vibrant centres of transparency, public service, and spiritual excellence remained the foremost mission of the department.

The meeting was told that the department had achieved an unprecedented utilisation ratio of 97 per cent under the Annual Development Programme.

The department had undertaken 47 major development schemes, of which 21 had been completed while 26 were in progress.

‘Unprecedented’ rise in collection at shrines recorded

Explaining financial performance, the meeting was told that the department recorded an increase of 11.71pc in lease recoveries and growth of 8.5pc in contract receipts compared with the corresponding period last year.

A strict monitoring and action against corrupt officials, the department saw unprecedented rise in `Galla collections’ as it recorded collection of over Rs6.629 million at Darbar Bibi Pak Daman, reflecting an increase of 143.25pc in April, 120.09pc in May, and 143.53pc in June.

Likewise, in the last quarter of 2025-26 fiscal, Darbar Hazrat Baba Farid Ganj Shakar generated Rs9.73m, Data Darbar collected Rs7.1m in the last two months, Darbar Baba Bulleh Shah recorded donation collection at Rs1.42m in June. Similarly, Darbar Hazrat Shah Daula Gujrat recorded collections amounting to Rs1.4m in June.

Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anisur Rehman informed the meeting about the department’s achievements in the sphere of religious affairs.

Additional Secretary Nabeela Javaid apprised the meeting of the constitution of the Muttahida Ulema Board and the Holy

Quran Board, describing both initiatives as landmark measures designed to promote religious consensus, preserve the sanctity of Islamic teachings and institutionalise consultation with eminent scholars representing all schools of thought.

The meeting also reviewed the solemn observance of the 983rd Ghusl Mubarak ceremony at Data Darbar, extensive infrastructural improvements and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art photographic gallery.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026