LAHORE: The Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department has compiled a comprehensive pictorial report titled “Heritage and Picture Galleries at Sufi Shrines” to highlight Punjab’s religious, historical and cultural heritage and the profound contributions of Sufi saints.

The pictorial report has been circulated among all administrative secretaries through an official letter issued by the implementation and coordination wing of the Services and General Administration Department (S&GAD), Punjab.

All administrative secretaries have been directed to disseminate information about these galleries among their departments and subordinate institutions, encourage government officers to visit these historical sites and share suggestions with the Auqaf Department for further preservation and promotion of heritage. Meanwhile, chairing a meeting of departmental officers at Aiwan-e-Auqaf, Auqaf Secretary/Chief Administrator Dr Ehsan Bhutta said preservation of our rich Islamic heritage and promotion of the spiritual essence, cultural values and historical legacy of Sufi traditions were among the key priorities of the Punjab government. He said the pictorial report dedicated sections titled “Heritage Beyond the Shrine” and “Legacies Preserved and Heritage Monuments Promoted” and documents eight prominent heritage galleries and facilities, including the Holy Relics Gallery at Badshahi Mosque, Ali Hajvery Heritage Gallery at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), Iqbal Hall and Heritage Gallery, Hazrat Mian Mir Library and Heritage Gallery, and Shah Hussain (RA) Heritage Gallery in Lahore; Baba Farid (RA) Heritage Gallery in Pakpattan; Waris Shah Cultural and Heritage Gallery in Sheikhupura; and Baba Bulleh Shah (RA) Library and Heritage Gallery in Kasur. He said these galleries housed rare photographs, historical documents, ancient manuscripts and valuable artefacts.

“Such initiatives would help connect the younger generation with the province’s glorious spiritual and cultural traditions and promote the timeless message of peace, tolerance, love, brotherhood and humanity preached by Sufi saints,” he added.

Director-General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anisur Rehman, additional secretary Nabila Javed, director administration Shakir Sandhu, director projects Rafiq Noor Wattoo and other officers were present.

Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2026