Lahore: Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar inaugurated the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) by performing the traditional chadar-laying ceremony and inaugurating the milk sabeel at Data Darbar, here on Sunday.
He also unveiled the Punjab Auqaf Department’s special publication titled ‘Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), Kamlaan Ra Rahnuma’ and highlighted the enduring relevance of the saint’s teachings of love, tolerance, justice, brotherhood and service to humanity.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the deputy prime minister said Pakistan was established to uphold the golden principles of Islam and the sovereignty of Almighty Allah, adding that the country’s great Sufi saints had spread these values through their character, knowledge and spiritual guidance.
He said the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) was not only a major spiritual gathering but also an effective platform for promoting Islamic values, national unity and Muslim brotherhood.
The ceremony was attended by Adviser to the Punjab Chief Minister Ali Dar, Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf, Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees-ur-Rehman, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Ali Ejaz, senior officials of the Auqaf Department, NESPAK and other administrative and security agencies.
Following the chadar-laying ceremony, floral tributes were offered at the shrine while Khateeb of Jamia Masjid Data Darbar Allama Mukhtar Ahmad Nadeem led a special prayer.
Renowned Qaris recited the Holy Quran, naat reciters presented devotional poetry in praise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and qawwal groups presented manqabats and salaam.
The deputy prime minister later received a detailed briefing from officials of the Communication and Works Department and NESPAK on the Data Darbar expansion project, including progress on infrastructure development and measures aimed at improving facilities for pilgrims.
Senator Ishaq Dar appreciated the Punjab government’s comprehensive arrangements for the Urs, describing the service of millions of devotees as a great religious responsibility.
He commended the provincial administration for ensuring foolproof security, cleanliness, medical facilities, traffic management and other arrangements, while particularly praising Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta and his team for their dedicated efforts.
On the occasion, Adviser to the Chief Minister Ali Dar said the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) remained a symbol of peace, spirituality and harmony in the subcontinent.
He said the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, was utilising all available resources to provide pilgrims with safe, dignified and quality facilities.
Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta said all arrangements for the Urs had been completed well in time under the continuous supervision of the Punjab chief secretary.
He said the department’s foremost priority was serving devotees and promoting the teachings of love, tolerance, brotherhood and public welfare associated with the great Sufi saints.
He said comprehensive arrangements had been finalised, including security, langar, sabeel, medical services, sanitation, parking, traffic management, control rooms and guidance centres to facilitate pilgrims arriving from across Pakistan and abroad.
Authorities implemented a triple-layer security plan for the opening ceremony. The Data Darbar complex was thoroughly searched in coordination with law enforcement agencies, armed police personnel were deployed on surrounding high-rise buildings, and security was strengthened through walk-through gates, surveillance systems and enhanced monitoring. Officials from the Tourism Department were also deployed to assist in managing the inaugural ceremony.
Four major spiritual and scholarly gatherings were held on the opening day, including a Mehfil-e-Husn-e-Qiraat after Zuhr prayers featuring renowned Quran reciters.
The three-day Urs celebrations will continue with large numbers of devotees visiting the shrine to offer floral tributes and chadars.
The shrine complex also witnessed traditional dhamaal, zikr and salaam gatherings, along with the distribution of langar, creating an atmosphere of spiritual devotion and brotherhood.
The Auqaf Department announced that the Mehafil-e-Samaa will commence at 10:00 a. m. on August 3 at Rashid Events Complex, Bilal Ganj, Lahore, and will continue for two days with performances by renowned qawwals from across the country.