Overview
- The 983rd Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh opened with the traditional chadar-poshi ceremony on Sunday, August 2, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar attended as chief guest.
- Punjab Police and partner agencies have activated a province-wide security plan that assigns more than 42,000 officers to duties, with over 10,000 posted in Lahore to secure the Urs and local Chehlum events.
- Security screening and surveillance measures in use include 390 walk-through gates, 6,427 metal detectors, continuous monitoring by Punjab Safe Cities cameras, rooftop sniper positions, and special control rooms.
- City and district administrations have put traffic closures, diversions and a Lahore local holiday for August 4 into effect while providing medical camps, mobile clinics, langar distribution, sanitation crews and designated parking for pilgrims.
- Authorities have also taken temporary precautions such as selective mobile‑service suspensions in parts of Lahore and requested Army and Rangers support for sensitive locations, and officials say real‑time monitoring will continue as processions and majalis proceed.