Punjab announces local holiday for Data Darbar Urs, steps up security in Lahore
Punjab has announced a local holiday in Lahore on August 4 for the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). Police have also stepped up security and traffic arrangements around Data Darbar during the celebrations.
Local holiday announced
LAHORE: The Punjab government has declared a local holiday in Lahore district on Tuesday, August 4, for the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). Police have also tightened security around Data Darbar as the celebrations continue.
In a notification issued on Monday, the Punjab Services and General Administration Department said, “It is hereby notified for the general public that a local holiday in Lahore District shall be observed on August 4, 2026 (Tuesday), on account of the 983rd Annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).”
The order said the closure would apply at the district level. It would also cover subordinate offices within Lahore district. However, the holiday would not apply to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments or regional offices.
Authorities also instructed the relevant departments to implement the decision.
Security tightened at Data Darbar
Lahore Police said large numbers of devotees visited the shrine from different parts of the country during the Urs. In response, police strengthened security arrangements.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana said police had put in place extensive measures at Data Darbar. These include walk-through gates, metal detectors and electronic barriers to protect visitors.
He directed officers to pay special attention to the safety of women and children at the shrine. He also asked senior police officials to stay in close coordination with the shrine administration and event organisers.
The CCPO instructed traffic police to keep traffic moving smoothly around the Data Darbar complex during the celebrations. He said security would remain on high alert at all entry and exit points of the city. He also directed police to continue search and combing operations across Lahore in view of the Urs and the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
 as security remains on high alert.){kind=link}