HYDERABAD: The three-day 274th urs of Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was inaugurated by acting Sindh Governor Agha Siraj Durrani. Talking to local journalists, Durrani said we should follow the teachings of Sufi saints as they spread the message of love, peace and harmony. He said his party had been trying to keep democracy on track and the current political scenario did not reflect well on the ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Replying to a question, he said Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) had always honoured judiciary; and they expected the same from Nawaz Sharif. The development of Bhit Shah has always been a priority of PPP government, Durrani said. He praised the district authorities for working hard for development. He said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also taking a keen interest in development Bhit Shah and would likely visit the shrine in the next couple of days. On the recent harassment of girl students in universities of Sindh, he said after completion of investigations, culprits would be brought to justice, adding that administrations of universities should play their due role in ensuring a safe environment for students. Durrani also inaugurated the cultural village and agricultural exhibition setup for the annual Urs. Talking to journalists, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Sardar Shah said they were present at the spot from where the message of peace, pluralism, humanity, love and religious harmony initiated. Shah Abdul Latif was a great poet and Sufi saint who spread such a message almost three hundred years ago, he said. He said that a scholar from Harvard University was doing research on Bhittai, which symbolised the significant of Shah Latif beyond borders. On the matter of security of shrines, the minister said concerted efforts had been taken in that regard. Terrorism is a global phenomenon which puts world peace at risk, he said, adding, terror attacks happen even in developed countries like the United States. He asked the public to assist with security situation and inform authorities if they witness any suspicious person or activity. A 16-feet tall statue of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai was inaugurated by the shrine’s Sajjada Nasheen Waqar Hussain Shah. Sindh University Arts Professor Nadir Jamali designed the statue. Published in Daily Times, November 5th 2017.