Amidst the vibrant anticipation of throngs of devotees flocking to commemorate the revered three-day Urs celebrations at the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA), local authorities convened to meticulously finalize arrangements ensuring a safe and joyous event. The three-day annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, starting from February 29.
Leading the festival committee, Jamshoro district Deputy Commissioner, Ali Zulfiqar Memon, unveiled robust security measures, aiming to deploy 5,000 police personnel in Sehwan. This strategic move poised to fortify security, with plans encompassing the installation of 500 CCTV cameras strategically positioned to surveil the town, especially the shrine’s vicinity.
In a proactive stance, 20 walk-through gates slated to erected around the sacred precincts. Additionally, preventive measures such as enforcing a ban on swimming in the canals and distributaries under section 144, coupled with heightened vigilance by the health department, have underscored. Noteworthy is the collaboration with the Pakistan Navy to bolster potential rescue operations, particularly in case of drowning incidents.
Moreover, provisions for complimentary drinking water are in place, alongside restrictions on heavy transport vehicles accessing the Indus Highway stretch between Jamshoro and Dadu, anticipating a surge in public transport. Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) has urged to minimize load shedding, ensuring uninterrupted power supply throughout the festivities.
The Urs celebrations promise a diverse array of official proceedings, spanning sports events, cattle shows, exhibitions, conferences, and an esteemed award ceremony, exemplifying the richness of the cultural tapestry.
The imperative nature of these security measures underscored by the somber remembrance of the tragic event of February 16, 2017, when a suicide bomber wreaked havoc within the shrine, claiming numerous lives, including women and children. Since then, the government’s unwavering commitment to fortifying the shrine’s security has seen a significant escalation in deployment, monitoring, and intelligence support, aimed at thwarting any potential threats and ensuring the safety and sanctity of this sacred gathering.
