LAHORE: The Punjab government plans to complete all ongoing development, expansion, renovation and beautification works at the historic shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, before the next Urs of the saint, ensuring that millions of devotees arriving from across Pakistan abroad could be provided modernfacilities.
This was stated by Punjab Auqaf department Secretary Dr Ehsan Bhutta while conducting a detailed inspection of the ongoing development projects at Data Darbar and its adjoining areas.
He reviewed the pace, quality and overall progress of the works and directed the authorities concerned to maintain the highest standards of workmanship while acceler- ating the pace of construction.
Dr Bhutta, who is also chief administrator of Auqaf in Punjab, said the provincial government was utilising all available resources to transform Data Darbar into a modern, exemplary shrine, offering visitors not only an atmosphere of spiritual peace and reverence, but also improved arrangements for their movement, cleanliness, security, parking etc.
He emphasised that no compromise would be made on the quality or timely completion of the projects, particularly in view of the large number of devotees, who visit the shrine throughout the year, especially during the annual Urs.
The inspection team included NESPAK Chief Engineer Muhammad Nadeem, Senior Architect Ali Jan, TEPA Project Director Muhammad Asad, C&W Executive Engineer (EXEN) Fahad Naveed, Auqaf Projects Director Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Administrator Muhammad Ali Khan, Manager Gohar Mustafa, SDO (Electrical) Rana Zohaib and other officials.
The delegation also laid a chadar on the saint’s grave and offered Fateha.
Later, Dr Bhutta visited Sharqpur, where he paid his respects at the shrine of Mian Sher Muhammad (RA), whose annual Urs celebrations commenced on Saturday and laid a chadar.
He was accompanied by the Sajjada Nashin (caretaker) of the shrine, Administrator Rana Ehsan, Auqaf manager and other officials concerned.
The secretary also inspected the city’s historic mosque, attached to the shrine, which has been restored and modernised with the cooperation of the caretaker family.
The management briefed the secretary about the historical significance and restoration of the mosque.
Director projects apprised the secretary of the progress of the remaining works and assured that all outstanding works would be completed within the next two months.
Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2026
