Sindh Public Holiday for Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs

The Sindh government has declared a public holiday on February 19 to commemorate the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a revered Sufi saint, with extraordinary security measures in place for the three-day festival in Sehwan Sharif.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar has directed the Sindh Police to implement enhanced security measures, including increased police patrolling, picketing, and surveillance on all entry and exit routes. The 773rd annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar will begin with the inauguration by Governor Sindh Muhammad Kamran Tessori, and conclude with the laying of a chadar by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on the third day.

The event will feature traditional Sindhi cultural activities, a three-day cultural competition, and the distribution of the Shahbaz Awards to recognize outstanding performances. Over 5,000 police personnel will be deployed to ensure the security of devotees, with CCTV cameras, walk-through gates, and a central control room monitoring activities in real-time.

The Sindh government's declaration of a public holiday on February 19 is expected to facilitate the large number of followers and devotees attending the Urs, and the government has emphasized the need for cooperation and support from all stakeholders to ensure a safe and successful event.