Rs78m set aside for restoration of tombs

Commissioner Multan Division Aamir Khattak ordered the relevant officials to prepare for the restoration and revamping of Shah Shams’ tomb, stating that shrines are a key part of the identity of South Punjab.

Chairing a review meeting for the restoration of shrines at his office on Friday, the commissioner said that the restoration of Shah Shams’ tomb would be made part of the ADP in the next fiscal year. He instructed the Auqaf department to restore the shrine's structure to its original shape without diminishing its century-old designs.

The commissioner maintained that domestic and foreign tourists take keen interest in the architectural style of these centuries-old tombs and shrines, adding that they visit these shrines for spiritual tranquility and peace. Khattak ordered authorities to arrange water filtration plants and separate washrooms for men, women and differently-abled people at the tombs as part of the new scheme.

Earlier, Auqaf Administrator Ziaul Mustafa briefed the Commissioner that the upgradation of four shrines was underway at a total cost of Rs78 million. He stated that 90% of work had been completed at Shah Shams shrine at a cost of Rs30 million, 85% at Bahauddin Zakariya for Rs13 million, 75% at Shah Rukn-i-Alam for Rs7 million and 90% at Bibi Pak Daman (RA) Rs23 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2023.