Bari Imam is the shrine of Hazrat Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi, the Sufi saint regarded as the patron of Islamabad, in the village of Nurpur Shahan at the foot of the Margalla Hills. It is one of the most visited shrines in the capital, quiet on ordinary days and packed during its annual urs.
This guide covers who Bari Imam was, what the shrine looks like today, when the crowds come, and how to visit respectfully if you haven't been to a Pakistani shrine before.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Nurpur Shahan, near the Margalla foothills, behind the President House area |
| Who it honours | Hazrat Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi (Bari Imam), 1617–1705 |
| Built | 17th century, under Mughal emperor Aurangzeb |
| Busiest time | The annual urs, usually in mid-August |
| Entry | Free; donations accepted |
| Dress | Modest clothing; women should cover their heads |
Who was Bari Imam?
Bari Imam, born Syed Abdul Latif Kazmi in 1617 in Karsal in what is now Chakwal district, was a Sufi of the Qadiriyya order. He settled in the area that is now Islamabad, then a small and reputedly lawless settlement called Chorpur, and his teaching is credited with changing both its name and its character: the village became Nurpur Shahan, and Bari Imam is remembered locally for spreading a message of peace and tolerance rather than for any single miracle or text. He died in 1705 and was buried on the site, and the shrine that stands there today was built in the 17th century under the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, who is said to have held him in high regard.
The shrine today
The current complex sits in Nurpur Shahan, close to the base of the Margalla Hills and not far from the President House and parliament area of the capital. It is a working shrine rather than a museum: people come to pray, tie threads, distribute food as langar, and sit quietly in the courtyard, alongside the steady traffic of visitors simply passing through. Loudspeakers carrying qawwali or naats are common on Thursday evenings, the night traditionally associated with shrine visits across Pakistan.
The shrine has also had a difficult history: a suicide bombing at the site in 2005 killed around 20 people and injured many more. Security at the complex has been tightened considerably since, and it functions normally today, but it is worth knowing that background if you read older accounts of the shrine.
The annual urs
The urs, marking the saint's death anniversary, is Bari Imam's biggest event of the year and has historically drawn enormous crowds; accounts from before the 1960s describe attendance running into the hundreds of thousands. In recent years the Islamabad administration has held the urs over three days in mid-August; the 2026 observance ran from 15 to 17 August. Roads around Nurpur Shahan close to general traffic, security is heavy, and stalls selling food, sweets and religious items line the approach.
If you want to see the shrine at its most atmospheric, the urs is the time to go, but expect very large crowds, long queues and significant traffic disruption in the surrounding area. If you would rather a calmer visit to see the building and pray or reflect without the crowds, any other day of the year is a better choice.
Etiquette for first-time visitors
Pakistani shrines follow broadly similar customs, and Bari Imam is no exception:
- Dress modestly. Loose, covering clothing is expected for everyone. Women should carry a scarf or dupatta to cover their heads inside the shrine.
- Remove your shoes before entering the inner shrine area, as you would at a mosque.
- Keep noise and photography low-key around people who are praying, and avoid photographing individuals closely without asking.
- Accept langar (free food) graciously if it is offered, and don't waste it.
- Give what you're comfortable with if you choose to donate; there is no fixed fee to visit.
- Follow instructions from shrine staff or security, particularly during the urs when crowd management is in force.
Combining it with other Islamabad sites
Nurpur Shahan is close to the parliamentary enclave and within a reasonable drive of the Margalla Hills viewpoints and Faisal Mosque, which makes Bari Imam an easy addition to a half-day covering that side of the city rather than a stand-alone trip. Our Islamabad travel guide covers the rest of the capital's landmarks if you're building out a fuller itinerary, and if you're weighing which shrines and heritage sites to prioritise, Golra Sharif on the other side of the city offers a comparable but calmer visit.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entry fee for Bari Imam shrine?
No, entry is free. Visitors may choose to donate, but there is no set charge.
What should I wear to visit Bari Imam shrine?
Modest, loose clothing that covers the arms and legs. Women should bring a scarf to cover their heads, and everyone removes their shoes before entering the inner shrine.
When is the Bari Imam urs held?
The annual urs is usually held in mid-August, over three days; in 2026 it ran from 15 to 17 August. Dates can shift slightly year to year, so check current announcements before planning around it.
Is Bari Imam shrine safe to visit?
The shrine was the target of a suicide bombing in 2005, and security around it has been significantly increased since. It operates normally today and is regularly visited, but as with any large gathering, be extra cautious during the crowded urs period and follow the instructions of security staff.
Can non-Muslims visit Bari Imam shrine?
Yes, shrines in Pakistan are generally open to visitors of all backgrounds, provided everyone dresses modestly and behaves respectfully towards people praying.
