LAHORE-
The 971th urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Bin Usman Alhajveri popularly known as Data Gunj Bakhsh started at his shrine here on Thursday.
Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar inaugurated the Urs celebrations after laying traditional wreath on the shrine.
Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Ata Muhammad Manika, Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen, senior officers of the Auqaf Department and a large number of devotees were also present.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Auqaf department had allocated Rs 8.0 million for arrangements and providing facilities to devotees, said the Auqaf sources.
The department had installed 115 CCTV cameras in the premises of Darbar to monitor celebrations and about 1,827 policemen, including three SPs, seven DSPs and 19 SHOs would perform security duty, the sources added.
About 12 walk through gates have also been installed besides deputing 175 security guards with metal detectors.
Camp offices of the Wapda, Wasa, Civil Defence and first aid have also been established to facilitate the pilgrims while 225 employees will work in three shifts for cleanliness.
Mehfil-e-Samaa and spiritual meetings will remain continue during the Urs days.