Summary:
- Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen emphasizes strict monitoring of security through safe city cameras for the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh.
- 4,000 security personnel will be deployed, with additional focus on food safety, cleanliness, and uninterrupted services.
- The Urs celebrations will begin on August 24, with extensive preparations to accommodate the influx of devotees.
Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen has instructed authorities to ensure rigorous monitoring of security arrangements for the upcoming three-day Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, also known as Al-Shaikh Al-Syed Ali Bin Usman Al-Hajveri. During a meeting held on Friday, Yaseen reviewed the preparations and emphasized the use of safe city cameras to oversee the security measures.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza provided a detailed briefing on the Urs preparations, highlighting that 4,000 security personnel will be on duty throughout the event. The Punjab Food Authority has been tasked with supervising the quality of food at preparation centers, ‘Sabeel’, and ‘Langar Khana’ to ensure that safety standards are maintained for the thousands of devotees expected to attend.
Minister Yaseen also directed the Municipal Corporation Lahore (MCL) to promptly address any encroachments around the Darbar and nearby roads to facilitate smooth access for visitors. He stressed the importance of uninterrupted power supply during the Urs and called on LESCO to manage electric wires with a focus on safety. To maintain cleanliness, 400 workers from the Lahore Waste Management Company and the Water and Sanitation Agency will work in three shifts to keep the area clean.
Medical officers will be on standby around the clock to handle any emergencies, ensuring that medical care is readily available for those in need. Additionally, Yaseen emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth flow of traffic for the Zaireen (pilgrims) arriving from other cities, recognizing that the devotees are esteemed guests and should be treated with the utmost care.
The Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, a revered Sufi saint, will begin on August 24, with the Punjab government taking all possible measures to facilitate a safe and serene environment for the celebrations.
