Punjab Auqaf Secretary Dr. Ehsan Bhutta reviews major development projects at two historic shrines, emphasizing quality construction, improved pilgrim facilities, and cultural heritage preservation.
Punjab Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf, Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, has directed officials to accelerate development work at the historic shrines of Hazrat Bibi Pakdaman in Lahore and Hazrat Waris Shah in Sheikhupura, stressing that providing world-class facilities for millions of devotees remains the department’s highest priority.
During his inspection of the Hazrat Bibi Pakdaman shrine, Dr. Bhutta reviewed the ongoing Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2026-27 project worth Rs496 million. He instructed authorities to complete the structural slab within the current week while maintaining strict quality standards. He also ordered the provision of adequate parking facilities for buses, minibuses, cars, and motorcycles to accommodate increasing numbers of pilgrims.
The Auqaf chief examined progress on the shrine’s expansion, including larger prayer halls, expanded courtyards, and dedicated pedestrian underpasses designed to improve crowd management during major religious gatherings. Officials from the Communication and Works Department were directed to expedite construction without compromising quality.
Later, at the shrine of Hazrat Waris Shah in Sheikhupura, Dr. Bhutta offered prayers for the country’s prosperity before reviewing restoration work, including painting, CNC jallis, lighting, and other finishing components. He also inspected the newly established Heritage Gallery-cum-Library, describing it as an important cultural institution that will preserve rare manuscripts, historical records, and artifacts while promoting the timeless teachings of the renowned Sufi saint and poet, whose masterpiece Heer remains a cornerstone of Punjabi literature.
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