The 968th annual urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Bin Usman Alhajveri popularly known as Data Gunj Bakhsh began at his shrine here on Friday amidst the presence of large number of devotees.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the three day urs celebrations by laying embellished chaddar on the grave of the great saint of the sub continent.

He was accompanied by Senator Muhammad Ehsan Dar,Provincial Minister for Auqaf Haji Ehsanuddin Qureshi, Secretary Auqaf Muzafar Mehmood, Bilal Yaseen MNA and other officials.

On the occasion dua was offered and people attending the ceremony prayed for progress, development and stability of the country.

Punjab Auqaf Department allocated Rs 7.1 million for the Urs arrangements and to facilitate the large number of devotees who converge here from all directions.

The department had installed 80 cameras in the premisesof darbar to monitor the situation during urs celebrations and added that about 300 police cops would perform duty to provide protection to the visitors.

He said that nine walk through gates have also been installed,besides 167 security guards deputed and provided metal detectors for security purpose.

Camp offices of WAPDA, WASA, Civil Defence and first aid have also been set up to facilitate the pilgrims, he added.

Religious and spiritual meetings will continue during the Urs days, and qawals and Naat khawans would also recitereligious poetry at the darbar.