The final day of the 1296th annual three-day Urs celebrations of the great Sufi saint, preacher of Islam and spiritual guardian, Hazrat Syed Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA), was observed with deep devotion and reverence.
Sindh Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, and Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism, Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, attended the concluding ceremony and paid their respects at the shrine.
The provincial ministers laid ceremonial chadars at the shrine, offered Fateha and prayed for Pakistan’s peace, stability, prosperity, development and national cohesion. Upon their arrival, Secretary Auqaf Sindh Akhtar Hussain Bugti, Chief Administrator Auqaf Mukhtiar Ali Abro and officials of the Auqaf Department warmly welcomed them with traditional Sindhi Ajrak.
Speaking to the media, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi said that the teachings of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA) continue to promote the values of love, peace, tolerance, brotherhood and service to humanity. He noted that Sufi saints have always played a vital role in fostering harmony and social cohesion. He said that hundreds of thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year to seek spiritual blessings. Comprehensive arrangements, including security, medical assistance, visitor facilitation, clean drinking water and sanitation services, were made by the Auqaf Department to ensure the comfort of devotees during the Urs.
The minister emphasized that following the teachings of Sufi saints is essential for building a peaceful, united and progressive society. The three-day Urs attracted hundreds of thousands of devotees from across Sindh and other parts of Pakistan. Among those present were Maki Shah Shirazi, Haji Hanif Memon, officers of the Auqaf Department, shrine management, caretakers and other concerned officials.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi on the occasion of the annual Urs. Representing the people of Karachi, he laid a ceremonial chadar at the shrine and offered Fateha. On this occasion, he paid rich tribute to Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA) and acknowledged his religious, spiritual, and social contributions.
The Mayor said that the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA) serves as a major spiritual center for Karachi and is an important part of the city’s historical and religious identity. He noted that every year, thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad visit the shrine during the Urs to express their spiritual devotion and reverence.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab stated that Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA), along with other revered saints, promoted the values of love, brotherhood, tolerance, and peace, and played a significant role in spreading the true teachings of Islam. He said that their services would always be remembered and would continue to serve as a guiding light for future generations.
He further said that all relevant institutions have made comprehensive arrangements for the convenience and security of visitors during the three-day Urs celebrations, ensuring that devotees can perform their religious observances in a peaceful and comfortable environment.
The Mayor added that the people of Karachi share a special spiritual attachment with Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA), and that the city derives a unique spiritual identity from his blessings and legacy. He emphasized that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will continue to play its role in promoting the religious and cultural traditions associated with the shrines of saints.
He also announced that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has declared Monday, June 8, a local holiday in Karachi in connection with the annual Urs of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA). Under this notification, all offices within the jurisdiction of KMC, except those providing essential services, will remain closed. The holiday has been declared in accordance with City Council Resolution No. 594 dated January 27, 2005, on the occasion of the annual Urs of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi (RA).