LAHORE  –  Chief Secretary Punjab, Zahid Akhtar Zaman, has  emphasized that the preservation, promotion, and effective transmission of Islamic sacred relics (Tabarrukat) to future generations remain among the Government’s foremost priorities. These revered relics include rare manuscripts of the Holy Qur’an, masterpieces of Islamic calligraphy, sacred historical artifacts, and invaluable heritage items, all being preserved and presented according to modern standards. 

He further highlighted that the intellectual legacy and poetic philosophy of Mufakkir-e-Pakistan, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, continues to inspire unity, selfhood, and progress. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the Tabarrukat-e-Qur’an Gallery and Iqbal Hall (conference cum library hall) at Badshahi Mosque Lahore, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman told that the gallery would not only strengthen spiritual connections but also provide a unique platform for visitors to explore Islamic history, calligraphy, and religious heritage. The event was organised by the Religious Affairs Auqaf Punjab, with Home Sectetary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Director General Najmus Saqib,  Secretary/Chief Administrator Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Khateeb Abdul Khabeer Azad, Director General Religious Affairs Punjab Hafiz Anees ur Rehman, and other senior officials in attendance.

Chief Secretary Zaman underlined the historic significance of the occasion, stating that the last relocation of these relics occurred in 1885, when the British Raj, at the request of Anjuman-e-Islam, shifted them to the old gallery of Badshahi Mosque. “Now, after almost 150 years, under Dr Ehsan Bhutta’s leadership, the relics have been moved to the new gallery, meeting the needs of the 21st Century. While the gallery was completed over the past 1.5 years, it was Dr Bhutta’s vision and guidance that made this historic transition possible—a feat highly appreciated by the Punjab Government,” he said. In his address, Dr Ehsan Bhutta described Islamic relics as a priceless spiritual and historical legacy, the preservation of which requires modern technology.  He stated that the new Tabarrukat-e-Qur’an Gallery marks a significant milestone and will evolve into a distinguished intellectual and spiritual center, offering deeper insight into the Holy Qur’an, manuscript traditions, and the evolution of Islamic civilization.

Dr Ehsan Bhutta further highlighted that the facility is a multipurpose center, featuring a fully equipped conference hall, a library for research and study, collections of Allama Iqbal’s works and Sufi teachings, computer and internet facilities for book reading, a rare photographic library, and spaces to brief local and foreign delegations about historical monuments. The center also houses offices for the Zonal Administrator and Khateeb, along with a VIP sitting area, making it a comprehensive hub for scholarship, administration, and spiritual learning. He added that the Auqaf Department is actively pursuing digital archiving and scholarly research of these relics, alongside a strategy to present Pakistan’s rich heritage internationally, projecting a positive and enlightened image of the country.  Dr Bhutta reaffirmed the department’s commitment to safeguarding and effectively showcasing religious heritage across the province.

Eminent scholars and religious figures, who also underscored the enduring relevance of Allama Iqbal’s thought and the importance of preserving Islamic heritage as a valuable legacy for future generations. At last, Secretary/Chief Administrator Auqaf Punjab Dr. Ehsan Bhutta presented Souvenirs to distinguish guests.