Khari Sharif is a small area of Mirpur in Azad Kashmir known for its darbar, the shrines of two Sufi saints, including the tomb of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, the poet who wrote the Punjabi epic Saif ul Malook. Pilgrims and poetry lovers visit throughout the year, and the annual urs draws larger crowds. Last checked: October 2026.
Quick answer: what is Khari Sharif?
Khari Sharif is an agricultural area on the Pothohar Plateau between Jhelum and Mirpur, about 8 km south of Mirpur city. It is home to the shrines of two Sufi saints, Pir Shah Murad Ghazi Qalandar, known as Damri Wali Sarkar, and the poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh. The Darbar Sharif of Pir Shah Ghazi receives thousands of pilgrims every year.
Khari Sharif quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | About 8 km south of Mirpur, Azad Jammu and Kashmir |
| Area | Alaqa-e-Khari, with about 80 villages between the Mirpur hills and the Jhelum River |
| Shrines | Pir Shah Murad Ghazi Qalandar (Damri Wali Sarkar) and Mian Muhammad Bakhsh |
| Mian Muhammad Bakhsh | Born around 1830; died 22 January 1907 |
| Famous work | Saif ul Malook, completed in 1863 and also called Safar-ul-Ishq |
| Annual urs | Held yearly on the Islamic calendar. The 2017 urs was the 114th. Confirm the current dates locally |
| Entry fee | Not verified. Shrines are normally free to enter |
Who was Mian Muhammad Bakhsh?
Mian Muhammad Bakhsh was a Sufi poet who wrote mostly in Punjabi, mixing local dialects with Persian and Arabic words. His best known work, Saif ul Malook, completed in 1863, is a Punjabi verse rendering of the story of Prince Saif ul Malook and the fairy princess Badi-ul-Jamal. The same legend is told about the lake in Kaghan. Read our Saif ul Mulook Lake guide for the lake and the legend.
Where is Khari Sharif?
Khari Sharif lies on the Pothohar Plateau between Jhelum and Mirpur, about 8 km south of Mirpur city. Mirpur is reached by road from Jhelum, Rawalpindi and Islamabad. We could not confirm a verified driving time from Islamabad, so check a current map and allow half a day. Read our Azad Kashmir travel guide for context.
What to see and do
- Visit the shrine of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh and the Darbar Sharif of Pir Shah Ghazi.
- Attend the annual urs if you want to see the largest gathering. The 2017 edition began on 30 August.
- Combine the trip with the Mirpur area and the nearby lakes. See lakes in Azad Kashmir.
Shrine etiquette
- Dress modestly. Women usually cover their heads. See what to wear in Pakistan.
- Remove your shoes before entering the shrine area.
- Keep your voice low, and ask before photographing people or the inside of the shrine.
- Visit during the day and avoid the busiest urs days if you prefer quiet.
Our cultural etiquette guide has more.
Best time to visit
Mirpur is warm to hot for much of the year, so winter and spring are the most comfortable. The urs follows the Islamic calendar, so its Gregorian date moves each year. Confirm dates with local contacts.
Where to stay and eat
Most visitors base themselves in Mirpur. We have not verified current hotels or prices, so check directly. Keep to busy, clean places when eating; see our street food safety tips.
Safety and responsible tourism
Crowds at the urs can be large, so keep valuables close and agree a meeting point with your group. Respect worshippers and follow staff instructions. For emergencies, Rescue 1122 and Police 15 are commonly cited national numbers, but please confirm locally.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Khari Sharif?
About 8 km south of Mirpur city in Azad Kashmir.
Who is buried at Khari Sharif?
The Sufi saint Pir Shah Murad Ghazi Qalandar (Damri Wali Sarkar) and the poet Mian Muhammad Bakhsh.
What is Mian Muhammad Bakhsh famous for?
His Punjabi epic Saif ul Malook, completed in 1863.
When is the urs of Mian Muhammad Bakhsh?
It is held every year on the Islamic calendar. Confirm the current date locally.
Is there an entry fee?
We could not verify one. Shrines are normally free to enter.
Conclusion
Khari Sharif is a quiet pilgrimage and literary stop in Mirpur. Dress modestly, and check the urs dates if you want to see it at its busiest. Our urs festivals in Pakistan guide covers other shrine gatherings.
Sources
Related guides
Dates, rules and conditions change. Confirm the latest information locally before you travel.