Punjab announces Aug 4 public holiday in Lahore

Holiday was announced on the occasion of the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA)

The Punjab government declared a local holiday in Lahore district on Tuesday, August 4, on the occasion of the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).

“It is hereby notified for the general public that a local holiday in Lahore District shall be observed on August 4, 2026 (Tuesday), on account of the 983rd Annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA),” a notification issued on Monday by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department said.

The notification said the holiday would be observed only at the district level and in subordinate offices located within Lahore district.

“This notification, however, does not apply to the offices of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments and regional offices,” it said.

The notification directed the relevant authorities to ensure its implementation.

Lahore Police remained on high alert as the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) entered its second day, with authorities stepping up security arrangements for thousands of devotees visiting the shrine from across the country.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana, in a statement, said that police had deployed extensive security measures at Data Darbar, using walk-through gates, metal detectors and electronic barriers to ensure the safety of visitors.

The police chief directed officers to pay special attention to the safety of women and children visiting the shrine, while senior police officials were instructed to remain in constant coordination with the shrine administration and event organisers.

He also directed traffic police to ensure the smooth flow of traffic around the Data Darbar complex throughout the celebrations.

The CCPO said security would remain on high alert at all entry and exit points of the city. He also directed police to continue search and combing operations across Lahore in view of the Urs celebrations and the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).