Lahore declares local holiday to mark Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Urs

WEB DESK: The Punjab government has announced a local holiday in Lahore on August 4 on the occasion of the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), with security arrangements in place across the city.

A notification issued by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department stated that the holiday will apply only to Lahore district and its subordinate government offices. The Punjab Civil Secretariat, attached departments, and regional offices will continue their routine operations.

The provincial government has directed all concerned departments to ensure implementation of the notification.

Meanwhile, Lahore Police have finalised strict security arrangements at Data Darbar as thousands of devotees from across the country are attending the Urs celebrations.

Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana said walk-through gates, metal detectors, and electronic barriers have been installed at the shrine, while visitors are being checked through a comprehensive security process.

He directed officials to ensure special security measures for women and children and maintain close coordination with Data Darbar administration and Urs organisers.

The CCPO further instructed traffic police to ensure smooth traffic flow around Data Darbar and adjoining areas during the event.

He said the city’s security would remain on high alert due to the Urs celebrations and Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), while search and combing operations would continue across Lahore.