The Punjab government has declared a local holiday in Lahore district on Tuesday, August 4, to mark the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
According to a notification issued by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department, the holiday will apply to the general public, district-level offices and subordinate government offices within Lahore.
However, the notification clarified that the holiday will not apply to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments or regional offices.
Meanwhile, Lahore Police have stepped up security as the three-day Urs entered its second day, with thousands of devotees visiting Data Darbar from across the country.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Bilal Siddique Kamyana said extensive security arrangements have been put in place, including walk-through gates, metal detectors and electronic barriers, to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
He directed officers to pay special attention to the security of women and children and instructed senior police officials to maintain close coordination with the shrine administration and event organisers.
The CCPO also directed traffic police to ensure the smooth flow of traffic around the Data Darbar throughout the Urs celebrations.