SAHIWAL: The 784th annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar (RA) commenced in Pakpattan on Wednesday amid manifestations of the growing differences between the two contenders within the Dewan family for the shrine’s caretaker (Sajada Nasheen) status.
As per eyewitnesses and sources in the Dewan family, on June 12, Dewan Adnan Madood Masood Chishti allegedly locked his stepbrother Dewan Ahmed Madood Masood Chishti, inside the shrine while the latter was performing rituals after Zohar prayers.
Eyewitnesses say that both scions of the Dewan family exchanged heated arguments in front of hundreds of devotees, and Dewan Adnan initially refused to unlock the gate leading to Baba Farid’s grave.
He eventually opened the gate after repeated requests from the family elders, but allegedly threatened Dewan Ahmed with dire consequences.
The Dewan family sources confirm that the dispute over succession as Sajada Nasheen has intensified.
The sources say that Dewan Ahmed has been performing the Urs rituals for the past ten days.
On the night of June 16, Dewan Ahmed succeeded in getting FIR No 476/26 registered against his stepbrother Dewan Adna and his associates under sections 506(III), 355, and 342 of the PPC.
Meanwhile, the Urs’ traditional rituals and celebrations will continue for next ten days until Muharram 10, while Bahishti Darwaza will be opened on the night of Muharram 5.
Thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad have already arrived in Pakpattan to participate in the Urs.
The traditional rituals were performed by Dewan Madood Masood Chishti, Sajada Nasheen of the shrine, along with his son Dewan Ahmed.
The traditional Khatam-e-Khawajgan was also observed on Monday evening.
A Sufi music night was also organised by Dewan Azmat Mahmood, president of the Pakpattan Chamber of Commerce in connection with the Urs. Renowned classical singer Hamid Ali Khan performed the famous kalam of Baba Farid.
District Police Officer Javed Chadhar told Dawn that foolproof security arrangements have been made for the Urs, with over 1,000 police personnel deployed across the city, inside and outside the shrine.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026
