Millions of Local and Foreign Devotees Visit Punjab’s Shrines AnnuallyHigh-Level Meeting Chaired on Promotion of Religious Tourism

Lahore (Farzana Chaudhry – Pakistan) — The message of love, harmony, and coexistence preached by Sufi saints continues to guide society, stated Secretary / Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta while presiding over a high-level meeting on the promotion of religious tourism at Auqaf House, Lahore.
The meeting was attended by TDCP Managing Director Asim Raza, Additional Secretary Auqaf Nabeela Javed, Director Projects Auqaf Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Director Finance & Estate Shahid Yaqoob, Director Creative & Cultural Industries Khurram Aftab, Assistant Director Administration Auqaf Awwal Gulzar Ahmed, Zonal Administrators Gulab Irshad, Shahid Hameed Virk, Babar Sultan Gondal, Tourism Department representatives Muhammad Tauseef and Usman Qureshi, among other officers.
Dr. Ehsan Bhutta emphasized that the shrines and mosques under the Auqaf Department are sacred centers of spiritual enlightenment, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The timeless teachings of Sufi saints promote peace, tolerance, interfaith harmony, and brotherhood, forming a strong foundation for social cohesion.
He noted that millions of local and foreign devotees and tourists visit Punjab’s shrines every year. The Punjab Government remains fully committed to providing modern facilities, improved services, and a dignified environment while strictly preserving the sanctity of these holy sites. Coordinated efforts are being implemented jointly by the Auqaf Department, Tourism Department, and Small Industries Corporation.
Key initiatives highlighted include:
Religious and cultural stalls at Badshahi Mosque showcasing Pakistan’s rich spiritual and cultural identity.
Establishment of a state-of-the-art library at the shrine of Hazrat Mian Mir (RA).
Special arrangements for Sikh pilgrims, including trained tourist guides, video documentaries, historical photo exhibitions, and dedicated bus services for guided visits.
Launch of a special package tour for Kasur by TDCP in collaboration with Auqaf, covering the shrines of Baba Bulleh Shah (RA), Shah Kamal Chishti (RA), Kasur Museum, and Ganda Singh Border to promote religious, cultural, and heritage tourism.
Focused initiatives to highlight the cultural and literary heritage of Hazrat Pir Waris Shah (RA), reinforcing Punjab’s classical Sufi traditions and spiritual legacy.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening inter-departmental collaboration to promote religious tourism, preserve Sufi heritage, and project Punjab as a global symbol of peace, spirituality, and cultural harmony.