Renovation work at shrine complete
Secretary Auqaf Punjab Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari announced that the main entrance of the Darbar Sharif of Hazrat Bibi Pakdamnan has been widened. The construction project has been completed at a cost of Rs783 million.
He added that eleven shops were bought to widen the entrance of the courtyard and work on the entrance passage is progressing rapidly. The holy shrine is expected to be opened to the public very soon. The Secretary said this while addressing the media during his visit to inspect the construction work of Darbar Sharif on Friday.
Read: Bibi Pakdaman shrine to reopen this week
Dr Bukhari said that the area of shrine has increased from 7,000 square feet to 22,000 square feet, which will increase the capacity for pilgrims threefold. He added that further planning is under way for separate parking and lavatory blocks.
He further said that Sufis were the pioneers of philanthropy and their shrines are a source of spiritual comfort. There is no other option but to take the path of Sufism and Tariqat to remedy extremism, he said.
Dr Bukhari added that the needs of all visitors have been met by completing such a comprehensive and grand plan on such limited space.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2024.