Photo: Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of PakistanField guides / Islamabad Capital Territory / Islamabad / Bari Imam Shrine
Field guide · Heritage
Islamabad
Islamabad District · Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Bari Imam Shrine
The shrine of Bari Imam, the 17th-century Qadiri Sufi venerated as Islamabad's patron saint.
The shrine at Nurpur Shahan is the resting place of Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi, known as Bari Imam (1617–1705), a Sufi of the Qadiri order who is venerated as the patron saint of Islamabad.
Why go
- ✦The shrine of Islamabad's patron saint
- ✦A Qadiri Sufi of the 17th century
- ✦Qawwali in his honour
- ✦The annual urs
About
Bari Imam's family moved to what is now Aabpara when he was eight; he later studied at Ghorghushti near Attock, then a well-known centre of Islamic learning. Most of what is known of his life comes from oral tradition and devotional booklets, and his story is sung in qawwali. The shrine draws large numbers of devotees, especially at its annual urs.
How to Reach
At Nurpur Shahan, at the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, near the Diplomatic Enclave.
Responsible Travel
Dress respectfully, remove footwear where required, avoid interrupting worship, and ask before photographing people or religious interiors.
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, Year-round; the urs is the busiest time.
Getting there, At Nurpur Shahan, at the foot of the Margalla Hills in Islamabad, near the Diplomatic Enclave.
Allow, About an hour.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Bari Imam Shrine, within 5 km.
