By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Secretary and Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab, Dr Ehsan Bhutta, has reaffirmed that providing all necessary facilities to pilgrims is a top priority of the government, stressing that ongoing development projects must be completed within stipulated timelines.
He expressed these views during his visit to the Shrine of Hazrat Shah Kamal (RA), the adjacent Auqaf Colony, and the Shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah (RA) in Kasur. At Shah Kamal Darbar (RA), he inspected the development works along with the Auqaf officer colony and commercial rented properties. Director Projects Rafeeq Noor Wattoo, Director Administration Shakir Sandhu, and other officials briefed him on the progress of the scheme.
During his visit to the Auqaf Colony, Dr Bhutta issued directives for developing a colony park, a gymnasium, a walking track, a children’s play area, and improving the overall cleanliness and sewerage system.
He reviewed all ongoing work at Shah Kamal Darbar (RA) in detail and instructed officers to ensure timely completion in accordance with the recommendations of the Special Premises Committee. He said the Darbar and mosque serve as spiritual and unifying centres for the Muslim community, and therefore their upgradation must meet the highest standards.
Later, Dr Bhutta visited the shrine of renowned Sufi poet Bulleh Shah in Kasur, accompanied by Director Auqaf Shakir Sandhu, Director Projects Rafiq Wattoo, PSO Zahid, XEN C&W, and AC City Kasur. After offering fateha, he reviewed progress on phase one of the project, which includes the mazar, mosque, parking area, entry gates, library, and administration blocks.
The mosque and mazar are 80% complete and expected to be finished by March 2026, while the library, administration block, and entry gates have been completed. Land acquisition for direct access to the main road remains pending; Dr Bhutta requested the Deputy Commissioner Kasur to finalise it within the month.
He also instructed that the library be made functional by January 2026 and that the remaining work be completed by March. Later, he held a meeting with the DC and AC Kasur at the DC office, where issues related to Auqaf lands were discussed.
