HYDERABAD: A high level meeting to review the arrangements for 274th annual Urs of Sufi saint and poet Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was held at Rest House Bhit Shah. The meeting decided to have a comprehensive and foolproof security plan for safety of shrine as well as devotees besides providing them basic facilities during the three-day annual Urs celebrations. Later in the evening, Sindh Culture and Tourism Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah visited the shrine, laid floral wreath and met with Syed Waqar Hussain Shah Latifi to discuss the security arrangements for the Urs. Speaking to the media, the minister said Shah Latif was creator of the concept of home land and without Shah Bhittai and Mohenjo-daro the history, civilization and culture of Sindh was incomplete. Replying to a question, he said foreign scholars who had researched on Bhittai would be invited to present their research papers, adding that last year foreign scholars could not come due to visa problems and security concerns. He also said Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had assured to attend the annual Urs celebrations this year. Earlier, addressing a meeting, Matiari deputy commissioner stressed all departments to make coordinated efforts to provide maximum facilities to the thousands of devotees so they do not face any difficulty, adding that, negligence from anyone would not be tolerated. The meeting was attended among others by Sajjada Nasheen Syed Waqar Hussain Shah Latifi, Pir Nazin Sain, Matiari SSP Syed Imdad Ali Shah, Matiari Assistant Commissioner Imama Bux Kaka, AC Hala Shabir Jan Jaskani, Culture Assistant Director Sher Mohammad Mahar and DHO Muhammad Memon. The police official said keeping in mind the prevailing circumstances, our focus will be on security and maintenance of law and order for which adequate arrangements would be made. An all-inclusive contingency plan had been prepared by the police department, intelligence net work will be on high alert to avoid any untoward incident, he said. He directed all local government and Public Health Department officers to extend assistance to town administration Bhit Shah for proper cleanliness, sanitation, provision of safe drinking water, beautification and adequate lighting arrangements in town. He also asked the officials of Auqaf Department to complete the renovation work of the shrine as soon as possible. He hoped this year’s arrangements for the annual Urs would be better than last year and admitted mistakes happened last year that shouldn’t be repeated. Sajjadah Nasheen Syed Waqar Hussain Shah Latifi said after the tragic incident of Sehwan Sharif, security at the shrine had been increased but there was a room for improvement. Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2017.