A local holiday has been declared in Lahore on Monday in observance of the Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, commonly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh.
Despite the holiday, the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has confirmed that all scheduled examinations will proceed as planned.
Lahore Board Examinations Controller Zahid Mian emphasized that the examination schedule will remain unchanged, and students are required to attend their exams as per the original timetable.
He advised students who are taking exams at centres near the Data Darbar to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled exam time to avoid any disruptions caused by the large crowds expected during the Urs celebrations.
Commissioner Lahore has directed special measures to ensure the smooth conduct of exams on the holiday. These measures are intended to facilitate both students and staff in reaching the examination centers without difficulty, despite the expected increase in traffic and public activity in the area.
On August 23, the Punjab government announced a public holiday for the Lahore district on Monday, August 26, in celebration of the 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing) also issued a notification.
This public holiday at the district level will be enforced for all government offices in Lahore, excluding the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its Attached Departments, and Regional Offices.
The annual three-day Urs honouring the revered saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh will take place from August 24-26. The Auqaf Department has been given Rs13.5 million for elaborate langar preparations for visitors and other functions.
Special security measures announced by the secretary entail the set up of 144 security and closed circuit cameras, creation of a distinct control room, and installation of 18 LCD screens to ensure the safety of pilgrims by the police department.
