The three-day annual Urs celebrations of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya commenced in Multan on Monday amid comprehensive security arrangements made by the city police.
Urs celebrations began with traditional “Ghusal’ of the shrine performed by MNA Zain Hussain Qureshi and his uncle Mureed Hussain Qureshi. First session of National Zakariya Conference was also held wherein speaker paid glowing tribute to the sacred saint.
On the directions of City Police Officer (CPO) Sadiq Ali Dogar, a detailed security plan has been implemented under the supervision of SSP Operations Multan to ensure the safety and convenience of thousands of devotees expected to attend the annual event. According to police, around 1131 officers and personnel have been deployed in different shifts to perform security duties throughout the Urs celebrations.
A dedicated control room has also been established at the CPO Office to monitor security arrangements and coordinate responses throughout the event. Police personnel have additionally been deployed outside the accommodations of visiting pilgrims to ensure their security.
To deal with any emergency situation, teams from the Rescue 1122 service and the Fire Brigade have been placed on high alert. CPO Multan accompanying SSP Operations also visited the mausoleum and checked security arrangements in detail. Keeping in view the prevailing hot weather, Multan Police has also arranged water cannons with chilled drinking water at various locations to facilitate devotees attending the Urs celebrations.