DADU: The 774th Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was inaugurated amid tight security on Saturday, with law enforcement agencies placed on high alert to ensure the safety of devotees.
Extensive security arrangements, including deployment of police, Rangers, and counter-terrorism units, were implemented throughout Sehwan Sharif to maintain peace and order during the large-scale religious gathering, in the wake of Islamabad mosque bombing on Friday, which was later claimed by ISIS.
In 2017, a suicide bomber had struck the Sufi shrine in Sehwan, killing at least 75 people including women and children. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group had claimed responsibility for the blast.
The security arrangements are headed by DIG Hyderabad Tariq Razzaq Dharejo.
SSP Jamshoro, SSP Tando Muhammad Khan, and SSP Special Branch Hyderabad were also present in Sehwan to monitor the situation, while SSP CTD Hyderabad and SSP CTD Nawabshah have been deployed to oversee counter-terrorism measures.
In a statement on the occasion, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said Qalandar spread the universal message of love, peace, tolerance, and brotherhood, which continues to guide society even today. He said that the teachings of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar serve as a beacon of light against extremism and inequality.
The Urs celebrations were formally inaugurated by Sindh Minister for Auqaf Syed Riaz Hussain Shah by laying a ceremonial chadar at the shrine and offering special prayers.
Talking to media representatives, the provincial minister said that Sindh is the land of Sufis and saints who have always preached peace, love, tolerance, and brotherhood. He added that due to these teachings, Sindh has remained a centre of peace and harmony.
Keeping in view the current situation, he stressed the need to promote the message of Sufi saints to eliminate terrorism, intolerance, extremism, and negative tendencies from society.
Mr Shah said that the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is the largest Urs in the country. He stated that around three million devotees are expected to visit Sehwan this year, while approximately 2.8 million pilgrims attended the Urs last year.
Responding to a question, he said that all possible efforts are underway to provide maximum facilities to the visitors. He added that development work in Sehwan is continuing regularly and that additional projects will be included in the upcoming Annual Development Programme.
On the occasion, Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner Ghazanfar Ali Qadri presented a Shahbaz Memorial Shield to the provincial minister, who later also distributed clothes and gifts among the pilgrims.
Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2026
