Sufi Shrines: Symbols of Faith, Culture, and Harmony – Dr Ehsan Bhutta

Lahore, Pakistan –by Farzana choudhray February 8, 2026 — Secretary Auqaf and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has described Sufi shrines as powerful symbols of faith, cultural heritage, and interfaith harmony, emphasizing that their preservation and modernization remain key priorities of the Punjab government.
Speaking during an official visit to the shrine of renowned Punjabi Sufi poet Hazrat Peer Waris Shah (R.A.) in Jandiala Sher Khan, Sheikhupura district, Dr. Bhutta paid tribute, offered Fateha, and reviewed the shrine’s current facilities and ongoing development projects. He directed officials to accelerate improvement works and announced several concrete decisions:
Construction of a new mosque within the shrine complex
Renovation and restoration of the cultural center and library to preserve and promote the literary and spiritual legacy of Waris Shah, author of the classic Punjabi poetic epic Heer Ranjha
Completion of all structural development and construction work on a priority and expedited basis
The visit was attended by Director Project Rafiq Noor Wattoo, Zonal Administrator Shahid Hamid Warraich, Manager Shrine Ghulam Abbas, Assistant Commissioner Sheikhupura, District Khateeb, and representatives from the Department of Archaeology and TDCP (Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab).
Later in the day, Dr. Bhutta visited the shrine of Hazrat Sher Muhammad Sharqpuri (R.A.) and inspected the ongoing development scheme there. He was informed that work is progressing on widening the approach road, Tuff tile and stone flooring, ablution areas, and washrooms. Authorities assured that the complete renovation and beautification of the shrine will be finished by June 2026.
Reiterating the cultural and spiritual significance of Sufi shrines, Dr. Bhutta stated that these sites serve as living centers of peace, tolerance, and Punjab’s unique cultural identity. Their systematic development, he added, will not only improve the experience of devotees but also help promote religious tourism and showcase the province’s rich Sufi tradition to visitors from across Pakistan and abroad.