All development work at Data Darbar to be completed before next Urs: Auqaf secy

LAHORE - Secretary Auqaf Punjab and Chief Administrator Dr Ehsan Bhutta on Sunday said all development, expansion and beautification projects at the Data Darbar shrine would be completed before next year's annual Urs to facilitate millions of devotees visiting from across Pakistan and abroad. During a detailed inspection of the ongoing development works at the shrine of Hazrat Ali Hajveri (Data Ganj Bakhsh) and adjoining areas, he directed the authorities to ensure timely completion of the projects without compromising on quality. Dr Bhutta said the Punjab government was giving special importance to the convenience of devotees and was making every effort to transform Data Darbar into a modern and well-equipped religious site, offering improved security, cleanliness, accommodation, transport and other essential facilities. He instructed the officials to maintain high construction standards and ensure that no inconvenience was caused to visitors during the execution of the projects. The inspection was attended by NESPAK Chief Engineer Muhammad Nadeem, Senior Architect Ali Jan, TEPA Project Director Muhammad Asad, C&W Executive Engineer Fahad Naveed, Auqaf Director Projects Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Administrator Muhammad Ali Khan, Manager Gohar Mustafa, SDO Electrical Rana Zohaib and other officials. The delegation also offered Fateha and laid a ceremonial chadar at the shrine, praying for the country's peace, stability, prosperity and development. Later, Dr Bhutta visited Sharqpur Sharif, where he attended the annual Urs celebrations, offered Fateha and laid a floral chadar at the shrine. He also inspected the restoration work of the city's historic mosque, renovated with the support of the Sharqpuri family. During the visit, Director Projects Rafiq Noor Wattoo informed him that the remaining restoration work would be completed within the next two months.