By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has termed the Punjab Tourism & Excellence Award 2026 a prestigious recognition and vowed to uphold the honour with dedication, professionalism and steadfast commitment while accelerating reforms in religious tourism and heritage preservation across Punjab.
Dr. Bhutta received the award from Senior Minister Punjab Maryam Aurangzeb at the Punjab Tourism & Investment Expo 2026, where she represented Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the award ceremony. He described the recognition as a reflection of the provincial leadership’s trust in the performance, reforms and progressive direction of the Auqaf Department, as well as acknowledgment of its role in promoting Pakistan’s tourism sector.
Addressing senior officials of the Auqaf Department, participants and media representatives at the Expo, Dr. Bhutta said the award was not an individual achievement but a collective success of the entire department.
“This honour belongs to every officer and official working tirelessly for the preservation of our spiritual heritage and promotion of religious tourism. We will continue with renewed energy and strategic focus to justify this recognition and maintain the highest standards of public service delivery,” he said.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Dr. Bhutta said the department had launched several landmark development and conservation initiatives designed to strengthen religious tourism and improve visitor facilitation at key spiritual sites across Punjab.
Among the major initiatives, he pointed to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Holy Relics Gallery at the historic Badshahi Mosque, aimed at preserving and displaying sacred relics in a secure and visitor-friendly environment. He said the project would enhance the experience of domestic and international visitors while safeguarding invaluable religious heritage.
He also shared details of the expansion and upgradation work underway at Data Darbar, describing it as a comprehensive initiative focused on improving spatial management, pilgrim facilitation, sanitation systems and crowd control in line with international standards of shrine administration.
Dr. Bhutta further highlighted extensive renovation and beautification projects at the shrines of Baba Bulleh Shah Shrine and Baba Farid Ganjshakar Shrine. He said the projects are centered on structural conservation, improved facilities for devotees and restoration of the spiritual, historical and cultural significance of these revered sites.
He also referred to the revitalization of Iqbal Hall within the precincts of the Badshahi Mosque, saying it has been transformed into a dedicated intellectual and cultural center promoting the philosophy and legacy of Allama Muhammad Iqbal through seminars, exhibitions and scholarly dialogue.
Appreciating the contribution of officers of the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department, Dr. Bhutta praised their efforts in establishing informative stalls at the Expo and producing an impactful video presentation showcasing Punjab’s vast religious tourism potential.
He noted that the Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs and representatives of the Evacuee Trust Property Board also commended the Auqaf Department’s initiatives during a panel discussion on religious tourism held at the Expo.
Dr. Bhutta said continued support and patronage from the chief minister would further strengthen these projects and help ensure their timely execution and long-term sustainability.
Reaffirming the department’s vision, he said the Auqaf Department remains committed to advancing religious tourism, modernizing shrine infrastructure and promoting interfaith harmony while preserving Punjab’s rich spiritual heritage.
He emphasized that the recognition received at the Expo would serve as renewed motivation to pursue institutional excellence and deliver tangible, sustainable progress in the tourism sector.
“The award is both an honour and a responsibility,” he said, adding that the department would continue working to position Punjab as a leading destination for religious and heritage tourism in the region.
