‘Provision of modern facilities at shrines is a top priority’

LAHORE: Secretary Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta has said that providing quality, safe and dignified facilities to devotees at sacred shrines across the province is among the top priorities of the Punjab government, in line with the clear directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, to ensure cleanliness, security and proper management so that visitors can perform their religious duties with peace and spiritual comfort.

Addressing the officers, he stated that under the supervision of Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Auqaf Punjab is implementing a coordinated and comprehensive strategy to modernise sacred sites, with development works progressing rapidly across the province, particularly the transformation of Data Darbar into a fully equipped model shrine.

He added that these initiatives include improved sanitation systems, foolproof security arrangements, CCTV monitoring, modern control rooms, clear signages, special facilities for elderly and disabled persons, upgraded ablution areas, standard washrooms, clean drinking water and an improved langar system.

Besides Data Darbar, development schemes are also underway at the shrines of Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar (Pakpattan), Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam (Multan), Hazrat Mian Mir (Lahore) and many other major and minor shrines, focusing on infrastructure improvement, access routes, security upgrades and visitor facilitation, with active coordination among LDA, TEPA, district administration, police, Rescue 1122 and other departments. Dr Ehsan Bhutta emphasised that through transparency, digital record systems, online monitoring and institutional reforms, Auqaf Punjab is further strengthening its performance, while promoting the teachings of Sufi saints as sources of peace, harmony, tolerance and social cohesion.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026