Lahore will observe a local holiday on Monday in honor of the Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh. However, the Lahore Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education has announced that all exams scheduled for that day will be held as planned, despite the holiday.
Lahore Board Examinations Controller Zahid Mian has confirmed that the examination schedule will not be altered, urging students to adhere to their original exam timings.
He also advised students with exam centers near Data Darbar to arrive at least two hours early to avoid disruptions from the large crowds anticipated during the Urs celebrations.
To ensure exams run smoothly on the holiday, Commissioner Lahore has ordered specific actions to assist students and staff in reaching examination centers without issues, despite the expected rise in traffic and public gatherings near the event.
The Punjab government declared a public holiday in Lahore on Monday, August 26, to mark the 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. However, the holiday does not apply to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments, and regional offices.
The three-day Urs will run from August 24-26, with the Auqaf Department receiving Rs13.5 million for langar and other arrangements. Security measures include 144 CCTV cameras, a dedicated control room, and 18 LCD screens to monitor the event.