Punjab expands major shrines to boost revenue

Auqaf dept pushes development projects as land recovery and small shrine work lags

LAHORE:

With the support of the Punjab government, the Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department has stepped up efforts to expand major shrines across the province and increase revenue, aiming to improve facilities for pilgrims while reducing the financial burden on the state.

However, key issues such as reclaiming state-owned land from illegal occupants and the construction and renovation of smaller shrines remain largely confined to planning stages.

Officials claim that work on these fronts will begin soon under a comprehensive strategy.

Among the flagship projects is the expansion of the revered shrine of Data Darbar, with an estimated cost of Rs6.3 billion.

So far, Rs1.7 billion and an additional Rs1 billion have been transferred to the Communications and Works Department.

Land acquisition and relocation for over 20 kanals are in the final stages.

Work has also resumed on the expansion of the shrine of Bibi Pak Daman, with Rs40 million already released out of the allocated Rs100 million.

Similarly, expansion work has begun at the shrine of Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar.

At the shrine of Bulleh Shah Shrine, tenders have been issued to activate the existing library through the procurement of furniture, air conditioners, and other facilities. Renovation and beautification of the old building of Aiwan-e-Auqaf in Lahore are also underway.

Officials acknowledged that the utilisation of Annual Development Programme (ADP) funds had remained slow at around 12 per cent, but said the pace of work has now improved. Authorities expect to utilise the allocated funds fully within the current fiscal year.

According to official data, the department oversees 1,403 waqf properties, including 548 shrines and 437 mosques, along with seminaries and other religious sites.

More than 74,964 acres of waqf land are notified, of which over 30,000 acres are cultivable while the rest is barren. A significant portion of agricultural and commercial land remains under illegal occupation, highlighting the need for an effective and sustainable recovery strategy.

Meanwhile, previously stalled projects such as the repair of the Mian Mir Complex and the reopening of the medical ward at the Data Darbar Hospital have been revived despite limited funds.

Renovation work in residential colonies for Auqaf employees has also resumed.

Secretary Auqaf Dr Ehsan Bhutta said measures to curb corruption in shrine revenues have yielded results, with donation income at Data Darbar increasing by 30% to 150%, while significant growth has also been recorded at Bibi Pak Daman.