By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta has said that the teachings of the saints are rooted in peace, love, service to humanity, and true adherence to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah. These revered spiritual figures emphasized moral training, piety, and detachment from worldly desires. To effectively promote their message, it is essential to disseminate their sayings, highlight their biographies and Sufi way of life, keep centers of spirituality active, and adopt compassion and human welfare in practical life.
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He stated that in line with the vision of Maryam Nawaz Sharif and the priorities of the Government of Punjab, a comprehensive reform process is underway in the Auqaf Department. Ensuring merit over favoritism, implementing an effective system of reward and accountability, increasing departmental revenue, retrieving encroached waqf properties, and auctioning or leasing waqf assets at market rates are top priorities, with no compromise. Officers and officials who deliver performance will be appreciated, while those who undermine departmental interests for personal gain and cause revenue losses will face strict accountability.
He expressed these views while addressing participants at the annual Iftar dinner hosted in honor of Auqaf beat reporters at Hijveri Hall, Data Darbar.
The Secretary Auqaf Punjab further said that in the province—being the most populous in the country—promoting respect for humanity, inter-sect harmony, and interfaith understanding is the need of the hour. Scholars and religious leaders of all schools of thought are on board with the Directorate General Religious Affairs Auqaf and are playing a supportive role alongside the Government of Punjab.
He added that the teachings of Ali Hijveri RA and other great saints serve as a guiding light for humanity. Islam in the subcontinent spread not by the sword but through the character, compassion, and spiritual teachings of the saints. Even today, their spiritual blessings continue to inspire millions.
Dr. Ehsan Bhutta emphasized that the saints propagated the love of Almighty Allah and the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and by following their example, we can attain success in this world and the hereafter. Despite enduring hunger, hardship, poverty, and oppression, the Sufi saints brought about moral and spiritual transformation through their exemplary conduct. Their character turned idol worshippers into true believers. No fair-minded historian can ignore the pivotal role of the saints in the spread of Islam, and throughout history, their services have been acknowledged with great respect.
