LAHORE: The Punjab Auqaf and Religious Affairs Department in it’s multi pronged reform drive has placed research and academic modernisation at the centre of its agenda, entering into collaborations with leading institutions, including the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), while simultaneously reviving stalled development projects, strengthening governance and significantly enhancing revenue streams across shrines in the province.
Officials said the research-focused initiatives aim to uplift the academic quality of Jamia Hajveria and align religious education with contemporary standards. For this purpose, the Auqaf Board has approved memoranda of understanding with University of the Punjab, Government College University, University of Management and Technology and LUMS. These partnerships are expected to introduce students to modern research methodologies, interdisciplinary learning and evolving academic trends.
Recognising that not all students pursue higher education, the department has also initiated vocational training programmes in collaboration with the Punjab Vocational Training Council, enabling early dropouts to acquire technical skills for sustainable livelihoods. In addition, a coffee table book is being prepared to document the expansion of mosques at Data Darbar and the intricate calligraphy work at the shrine, reflecting an emphasis on preservation and documentation.
Parallel to its academic push, the department has accelerated long-delayed infrastructure projects. The Rs6.3 billion expansion of Data Darbar, approved in 2022 but left untouched with zero progress, has now entered the execution phase. Through coordinated efforts with NESPAK, TEPA and the Communication and Works Department, an additional Rs1.17bn was secured, released and transferred, while Rs1bn has been provided to the executing agency, enabling physical work to commence.
A major component of the project, installation of hydraulic canopies similar to those at Masjid-e-Nabvi had remained stalled after unsuccessful tendering and pending tax exemption issues. Following engagement with the Federal Board of Revenue, the case has been processed and resubmitted for revision of the PC-I, paving the way for its revival.
Other shrine projects have also been brought back on track. The expansion of Bibi Pak Daman, previously at a standstill, has commenced with Rs40 million released out of the Rs100m allocation. The upgradation of the shrine of Baba Farid-ud-Din Ganj Shakar is being expedited through frequent field visits and strict timelines, while development works at the shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah include activation of a completed but non-functional library and procurement of furniture, air-conditioning and video conferencing systems.
Institutional infrastructure has also been prioritised. The ageing Aiwan-i-Auqaf building, constructed in the 1970s, is undergoing long-overdue renovation. Work under Package I, previously progressing at a slow pace, is near completion, while Package II which had not been initiated is now under execution. Across the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2025-26, all 38 schemes are now operational after initial delays, significantly increasing fund utilisation from 12pc to 63pc.
On the religious and social front, the department has expanded its outreach beyond limited in-house seminars. A large-scale ceremony for the grant of Aezazia to Aaima Ikram was organised in collaboration with the Home Department, where the chief minister personally distributed financial assistance cheques. Official data shows that 74,000 Huffaz applied, with 62,000 verified for support.
Scholarly engagement has been further strengthened through conferences and international participation. The international conference “Meraaj aur Muhabat-e-Fateh Alam” at Aiwan-e-Iqbal featured Sheikh Afif-ud-Din Gillani, who spoke on the contributions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Similarly, the Istaqbale Ramzan conference at the Punjab Quran Board and thematic gatherings such as the “Ummahat-ul-Momineen (RA) and Khatun-e-Jannat (RA)” conference brought together ulema from all schools of thought.
Efforts to bridge the gap between government and the public included large Iftar gatherings at Badshahi Mosque and Data Darbar, fostering engagement with students of Jamia Hajveria and the wider community while enabling authorities to better understand and address public concerns.
Administrative revival has extended to previously closed or underutilised facilities. The Mian Mir Complex has been refurbished and reopened, with students shifted there, expanded langar distribution and a functional library established. The Punjab Quran Board building on Upper Mall, spread over 52 kanal, has been restored, repaired and repurposed, with offices relocated, academic classes planned and sports facilities introduced to promote healthy co-curricular activities.
Healthcare services have also seen improvement, with the reopening of the medical ward at Data Darbar Hospital after two years of closure, alongside a proposed scheme for its comprehensive revamp. A residential colony for Auqaf employees at Wahdat Colony has also been refurbished, including a playground, open gym and jogging track benefiting over 500 employees.
Legal and institutional reforms have strengthened governance. An amendment to the Punjab Waqf Properties Ordinance, 1979, now mandates that the Secretary Auqaf serve as Chief Administrator, effectively preventing private sector appointments and safeguarding public assets. Digitisation efforts are being accelerated, including online rent collection, digital property management and the establishment of an integrated command and control centre.
Promotion of religious tourism has emerged as a key strategy. At the Badshahi Mosque, a souvenir shop is being established in collaboration with the Punjab Small Industries Corporation, while a gallery for holy relics has been completed and will soon be operational after addressing security concerns. A proposal under consideration with the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab aims to introduce a city bus tour in Kasur, covering shrines and cultural landmarks including those of Baba Bulleh Shah and Baba Kamal Chisthi, along with the Ganda Singh border.
Further initiatives include the renovation of the shrine of Waris Shah in Sheikhupura, where a cultural museum, painting gallery and media room are being established to showcase the poet’s legacy.
Financial performance has shown a marked turnaround. Following deployment of special monitoring teams to oversee cash collection at shrines, revenues have surged significantly. At Data Darbar, cash box collections have increased between 30pc and 150pc in recent weeks compared to last year. At Bibi Pak Daman, income from offerings and zari has recorded increases ranging from 25pc to as high as 407pc on certain days. Other shrines, including those of Baba Bulleh Shah, Pir Makki and Baba Farid, have also posted gains of 14.41pc, 22.43pc and 39pc, respectively.
The Estate Directorate has reported an 11.88pc increase in revenue from agricultural land and shrine contracts for 2026-27 compared to 2025-26. At the same time, a province-wide crackdown on illegal occupants has resulted in the retrieval of large tracts of waqf land, including 16 acres in Dera Ghazi Khan, 240 acres in Gujranwala and 448 acres in Bahawalpur.
Human resource reforms have addressed longstanding administrative bottlenecks. Pending pension cases, including those of widows, have been resolved, while delayed contract extensions for employees have been approved. A 20pc Auqaf allowance has been introduced to reduce income disparities and improve efficiency. Key posts, including Director Finance and Zonal Administrators, have been restored, while new appointments and transfers have been made on merit to strengthen field operations. Additionally, the post of Director Agriculture (Lease and Development) has been created to focus on making Auqaf land productive.
Officials said the approval of an annual calendar of religious activities, coupled with structural, financial and academic reforms, reflects a comprehensive strategy to transform the Auqaf department into a modern, transparent and research-driven institution capable of preserving religious heritage while meeting contemporary administrative and societal needs.
