Development Work at Hazrat Baba Farid Shrine to Be Completed by Feb 15: Dr. Ehsan Bhutta

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: In line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to preserve religious heritage, promote cultural tourism, and provide enhanced facilities to devotees, Secretary Auqaf and Chief Administrator Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has directed that all ongoing development work at the shrine of Hazrat Baba Farid Gunj Shakar (RA) in Pakpattan be completed by February 15, ahead of the holy month of Ramzan.

During a visit to the shrine, Dr. Bhutta announced that he would conduct a follow-up inspection on January 20 to personally review the pace and quality of work. He instructed the development team to ensure the completion of priority works—particularly tiling and marble installation in ablution areas, washrooms, shrine courtyards, and the main entrance—by January 20, while all remaining works must be finalized by February 15.

Deputy Commissioner Pakpattan Asif Raza, Executive Engineer (C&W), the Auqaf Administrator, and the Director Projects were present during the visit.

Dr. Bhutta also directed the Auqaf Administrator to install informative signage at prominent locations within the shrine complex and to publish books highlighting the life, teachings, and spiritual contributions of Hazrat Baba Farid (RA) for placement in the shrine’s library.

Earlier, acting on the directives and administrative vision of Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman for effective governance, heritage conservation, and strict oversight of public-sector development projects, Dr. Bhutta visited the Pir Waris Shah Mosque in Malka Hans, Pakpattan. He instructed officials to approach the Director General Archaeology to initiate restoration work under the approved Annual Development Programme (ADP) scheme.

Dr. Bhutta noted that the renowned Sufi poet Waris Shah had resided at the site and authored his celebrated epic Heer there. He recalled that the mosque and adjacent hujra were previously restored during the tenure of former Deputy Commissioner and Secretary Literacy Haider Iqbal, adding that a new restoration scheme would now be executed by the Punjab Archaeology Department to restore the site to its original condition.

Later, Dr. Bhutta chaired a meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, where he emphasized the need for strict inspections, regular monitoring, and effective checks and balances to ensure transparency, accountability, and quality in all ongoing development projects.