The Sufi Festival commenced at Alhamra with prominent figures, including Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, in attendance.
The event celebrated the rich Sufi culture of Punjab, emphasising the values of love, tolerance, and unity.
During the festival, Khawaja Imran Nazir highlighted the Punjab government's achievements in healthcare, mentioning the ongoing construction of Asia's largest cancer hospital under the patronage of Nawaz Sharif.
The facility will feature a dedicated 250-bed unit for terminally ill patients.
Additionally, he shared progress on the establishment of the Sargodha Cardiac Institute and the success of health initiatives like doorstep healthcare provided under Maryam Nawaz's leadership.
"Our healthcare teams have treated over 7 million patients at their doorsteps," Nazir stated.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stressed the role of Islam as a religion of peace and the pivotal contributions of Sufi saints like Data Ali Hujweri and the luminaries of Ajmer Sharif. "These are not just individuals but institutions that promote love and eliminate hunger," he remarked.
The festival included a panel discussion on "Sufi Expression in Art and Aesthetics," featuring renowned scholars and artists. Esteemed figures like Mufti Muhammad Ramzan Sialvi, Sahibzada Asim Maharvi, Khawaja Qutbuddin Faridi, Noor-ul-Hassan, and Baba Yahya Khan graced the event with their presence.
Participants emphasised Punjab's rich Sufi heritage, which embodies harmony, tolerance, and compassion. They noted that such festivals are vital in combating extremism and fostering a culture of inclusivity.
One of the participant observed that the Sufi Festival is not just a celebration of art and spirituality but a beacon of hope for countering radicalism and promoting unity in the region.
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