LAHORE: In a significant move to preserve religious heritage, centuries-old holy relics (Tabarrukat-e-Muqaddasa) have been successfully relocated to a high-tech, climate-controlled gallery at the historic Badshahi Mosque.
The facility was officially inaugurated on Friday by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, marking the transition of these invaluable holy relics from a colonial-era display to a modern preservation environment.
For nearly 150 years, the relics were housed in a gallery constructed in 1885. Recognising the risks posed by environmental wear, the government has moved them to a state-of-the-art facility where temperature, humidity, and lighting are strictly regulated to shield the holy relics from atmospheric decay. The sensitive transfer was conducted by the Auqaf Department and archaeology experts under rigorous security, ensuring the relics remained protected throughout the transition.
As part of the project, the chief secretary also opened ‘Iqbal Hall’, an international-standard research hub featuring a library and conference centre. The hall houses more than 2,000 books, including rare historical documents related to the Tomb of Allama Iqbal and dedicated sections for Sufi teachings.
