LAHORE  –  The two-day annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Azizuddin, popularly known as Pir Makki, began here on Sunday. The celebrations formally commenced at Mazar-e-Sharif with a Chadar Poshi ceremony. Provincial Minister Bilal Yasin was the chief guest, while Secretary Auqaf Punjab Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Administrator Rana Ehsan-ul-Haq, Director Administration Muhammad Shakir and Manager Darbar Mian Mir Ghulam Rasool, along with pilgrims and devotees, attended the ceremony. A Mehfil-e-Naat and religious gathering was also held on the occasion, followed by special prayers for the security, stability and prosperity of the country. The police made elaborate security arrangements for the Urs, with additional personnel deployed at the shrine and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of pilgrims and devotees. Speaking on the occasion, Bilal Yasin said Hazrat Pir Makki was a great Sufi saint and spiritual personality whose teachings continued to inspire people towards peace, tolerance and service to humanity. He said Urs celebrations provided an opportunity to renew the connection with the teachings of Sufi saints and the country’s rich spiritual heritage. Religious and spiritual figures had always promoted tolerance, harmony, brotherhood and service to humanity, he added.  “Today, we need to incorporate the teachings of the Sufi saints into our practical lives,” the minister said, stressing the need to promote their message of peace and love in society.

Bilal Yasin said Pakistan’s culture and history, particularly that of Punjab, were deeply rooted in the teachings of Sufi saints. He said these teachings could play an important role in strengthening social harmony and brotherhood. The minister said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif was taking comprehensive measures for the renovation and preservation of religious and spiritual sites as well as the protection of the province’s historical heritage. He prayed to Allah Almighty to bless Pakistan with peace, prosperity and stability.