Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta on Monday said the timeless message of Islam, rooted in peace, compassion, tolerance and spiritual enlightenment, served as a powerful bridge connecting the hearts of Muslim nations beyond geographical boundaries.
Pakistan, Bangladesh enjoy deep rooted relations: Secy Auqaf
LAHORE, May 11 (APP):Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta on Monday said the timeless
message of Islam, rooted in peace, compassion, tolerance and spiritual enlightenment,
served as a powerful bridge connecting the hearts of Muslim nations beyond geographical
boundaries.
Addressing a 12-member delegation of senior Bangladeshi civil service officers at Iqbal Hall,
Badshahi Mosque, he said Pakistan and Bangladesh were bound together not only by shared
history and faith but also by deep cultural, intellectual and spiritual affinities that continued to
inspire mutual respect and brotherhood.
Director General Religious Affairs Hafiz Anees ur Rehman, Additional Secretary Auqaf
Department Nabeela Javaid and other officers of the Auqaf department were also present.
Dr. Ehsan said the enduring bonds of faith, culture and spiritual heritage shared by Pakistan
and Bangladesh continued to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood and mutual understanding
between the two nations. He added that such meaningful exchanges promoted harmony,
intellectual cooperation and lasting people-to-people relations rooted in a common Islamic
identity.
He said the sacred shrines, mosques and spiritual institutions of Pakistan reflected the
country’s profound Islamic heritage, centuries-old traditions of religious harmony and
unwavering commitment to peace, coexistence and humanity.
He said Lahore had historically remained a centre of Islamic scholarship, Sufi teachings,
literary excellence and intellectual enlightenment.
Highlighting the Punjab government’s Shrine Restoration and Development Programme
under the Chief Minister Punjab Development Programme (2025-26 and 2026-27),
Dr. Ehsan said 48 mosques and shrines were being restored and developed across
the province.
He said special focus was being given to Data Darbar with a development allocation
of approximately Rs 9.5 billion aimed at its uplift, facilitation of pilgrims and preservation
of its spiritual heritage.
The secretary said Punjab was blessed with the legacy of great Sufi saints and poets
whose teachings continued to promote love, tolerance and harmony. He mentioned the
shrines of Baba Farid Ganjshakar, Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, Bibi Pak Daman and Mian
Mir as enduring symbols of spiritual enlightenment and interfaith harmony.
Dr Ehsan said the visit of Bangladeshi delegation after more than five decades carried
historic significance and reflected the growing desire for stronger institutional cooperation,
administrative exchange and people-to-people contact between the two countries.
He also thanked the Civil Services Academy for arranging the three-week training
programme for the Bangladeshi delegation and facilitating their visit to the historic
Badshahi Mosque.
Earlier, the delegation was warmly received at the Badshahi Mosque and briefed
on its Mughal architecture, historical importance and spiritual significance.
The delegation was also shown the sacred Islamic relics preserved at the mosque,
including relics associated with the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him),
his sacred family and companions.
The visiting officers also visited the mausoleum of Allama Muhammad Iqbal where they
offered Fateha and paid tribute to his philosophy of Muslim unity, self-respect and revival
of the Muslim Ummah.
Later, a reception was held at Iqbal Hall in honour of the delegation where traditional
Punjabi hospitality was extended.
The delegation appreciated Pakistan’s hospitality, the spiritual atmosphere of Lahore
and the efforts being made to preserve and promote Islamic heritage and Sufi traditions.
Director Civil Services Academy Dr. Shabir Zaidi lauded the arrangements and thanked
the Auqaf Department for its hospitality.
Chef de Mission Salma Siddiqua Mahtab presented the vote of thanks and appreciated
the warm reception extended by Dr. Ehsan Bhutta and his team.
The ceremony concluded with a special Dua by Khateeb Badshahi Mosque Maulana
Abdul Khabir Azad for peace, stability and prosperity of Pakistan and unity of the Muslim
Ummah.
