Folk maestros light up Bhittai Melo
The grand musical evening at Shah Abdul Latif Auditorium was headlined by legendary voices including Ustad Shafi Muhammad Faqir, Shaman Ali Mirali, Master Wali Ahmed Mughal, and rising star Sanwal Marvel, each delivering soulful performances that drew roars of applause from an audience packed with devotees, culture enthusiasts, and dignitaries.
From lilting folk ballads to stirring renditions of Bhittai's poetry, the night resonated with the timeless essence of Sindh's musical heritage. The concert marked the first of three nights of music during the Urs, with more than 300 singers and songwriters set to perform over the festival's course.
The most outstanding performers will be honoured with the coveted "Latif Award" on the concluding night, recognising excellence in preserving and promoting the Sufi saint's rich artistic legacy.
The opening ceremony was attended by a host of provincial and district officials, including Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Shah, Provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Jabbar Khan and others.
A notable highlight was the special appearance of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who was warmly received by Minister Zulfiqar Shah and other dignitaries. On the occasion, Bugti lauded Sindh as a "land of peace and love," noting that Sufi saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai had always championed the message of unity and brotherhood.
"By following Bhittai's unmatched poetry, we can eliminate extremism at both national and global levels. Today, more than ever, we must unite and embrace the path of dialogue to foster peace," he told reporters, adding that those who renounce violence in Balochistan are being welcomed back into the national fold with opportunities for employment and reintegration.
Minister Zulfiqar Shah, speaking earlier, highlighted Bhittai's portrayal of women as role models in his poetry and recalled that Sindh had a long tradition of welcoming guests, citing the developmental projects in Bhit Shah initiated by the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Beyond the music, the Urs celebrations feature a vibrant programme of traditional sports such as Malakhara, literary conferences, and Sughhar Kachhari sessions. Throughout the town, stalls brim with handicrafts, the scent of Sindhi cuisine fills the air, and the shrine itself glows under elaborate lighting, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country.
As the melodies of the first night faded into the desert wind, Bhit Shah stood alive with the spirit of Shah Latif — a reminder that his 18th-century verses remain as resonant today as they were centuries ago, weaving together faith, culture, and the shared yearning for peace.
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Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Folk maestros light up Bhittai Melo
The soothing strains of Sindhi raags filled the night air at Bhit Shah as some of the region's most celebrated folk maestros took centre stage at the opening night of the 282nd Urs of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA), transforming the shrine town into a living tribute to the Sufi poet's message of love, harmony, and human dignity. The grand musical evening at Shah Abdul Latif Auditorium was headlined by legendary voices including Ustad Shafi Muhammad Faqir, Shaman Ali Mirali, Master Wali Ahmed Mughal, and rising star Sanwal Marvel, each delivering soulful performances that drew roars of applause from an audience packed with devotees, culture enthusiasts, and dignitaries. From lilting folk ballads to stirring renditions of Bhittai's poetry, the night resonated with the timeless essence of Sindh's musical heritage. The concert marked the first of three nights of music during the Urs, with more than 300 singers and songwriters set to perform over the festival's course. The most outstanding performers will be honoured with the coveted "Latif Award" on the concluding night, recognising excellence in preserving and promoting the Sufi saint's rich artistic legacy. The opening ceremony was attended by a host of provincial and district officials, including Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Shah, Provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Jabbar Khan and others. A notable highlight was the special appearance of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who was warmly received by Minister Zulfiqar Shah and other dignitaries. On the occasion, Bugti lauded Sindh as a "land of peace and love," noting that Sufi saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai had always championed the message of unity and brotherhood. "By following Bhittai's unmatched poetry, we can eliminate extremism at both national and global levels. Today, more than ever, we must unite and embrace the path of dialogue to foster peace," he told reporters, adding that those who renounce violence in Balochistan are being welcomed back into the national fold with opportunities for employment and reintegration. Minister Zulfiqar Shah, speaking earlier, highlighted Bhittai's portrayal of women as role models in his poetry and recalled that Sindh had a long tradition of welcoming guests, citing the developmental projects in Bhit Shah initiated by the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Beyond the music, the Urs celebrations feature a vibrant programme of traditional sports such as Malakhara, literary conferences, and Sughhar Kachhari sessions. Throughout the town, stalls brim with handicrafts, the scent of Sindhi cuisine fills the air, and the shrine itself glows under elaborate lighting, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country. As the melodies of the first night faded into the desert wind, Bhit Shah stood alive with the spirit of Shah Latif — a reminder that his 18th-century verses remain as resonant today as they were centuries ago, weaving together faith, culture, and the shared yearning for peace.
Business Recorder
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Sindh CM participates in Independence Day celebrations with differently-abled children
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah celebrated the 78th Independence Day with differently-abled children in two heart warming events held at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum and the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and both events, marked under the theme 'Markaz-e-Haq', highlighted inclusivity, unity, and national pride. The day began at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, where the Department of Culture hosted a vibrant programme. Over 100 children from institutions such as Scanosa, C-Arts, Dar Al-Sukoon, and Umeed-e-No participated in the celebration, which featured a flag-hoisting ceremony, national songs, and cultural performances in Sindhi, Punjabi, Balochi, and Pashto. Murad, accompanied by Culture Minister Syed Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Secretary DEPD Tauha Farooqi, and prominent artists like Javed Sheikh and Ayub Khoso, engaged warmly with the children. He sang national songs, joined children on stage, and cut a cake to mark the occasion. He praised the courage and talent of the children, stating, 'These special children are the heart of this celebration. They bring joy, energy, and hope.' Murad Ali Shah emphasised his government's unwavering commitment to inclusivity, equality, and support for the differently-abled. 'Every citizen deserves respect, dignity, and opportunity regardless of physical or mental ability,' he said. He announced plans to expand special education and rehabilitation centres in every district and strengthen vocational and artistic training programmes for special children. Mazar-e-Quaid: Later in the day, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited Mazar-e-Quaid, accompanied by his cabinet members and differently-abled children. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
31-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Pindi plans grand I-Day festivities
Pakistan's 78th Independence Day will be celebrated across the city with great enthusiasm, patriotic spirit, and ceremonial grandeur, the district administration formally announced on Tuesday. The central celebration will be held at Government Viqar-un-Nisa Girls College at 9am, where Civil Defence volunteers will present a march-past and guard of honour. The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner will perform the flag-hoisting ceremony, followed by march-pasts by Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. Across the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, prominent landmarks — including Parliament House, Aiwan-e-Sadr, the Supreme Court, Secretariat buildings, bazaars, railway stations, Adiala Jail, hospitals, parks, and other public venues — will be adorned with vibrant buntings, decorative lighting, national flags, and portraits of national heroes. Official buildings, private residences, vehicles, and even motorcycles will proudly display the Pakistani flag, contributing to a citywide atmosphere of national pride. Cultural floats showcasing the diverse traditions of Punjab, Sindh, Potohar, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) will feature prominently in Independence Day parades and rallies, highlighting the country's rich cultural mosaic. At the Rawalpindi Arts Council, exhibitions will be held featuring rare photographs from the Pakistan Movement and portraits of key national figures. The festivities will also include thematic tableaux, quiz contests, speech competitions, a sports gala, and a Sufi night at Iqbal Park, which will also host a special Independence Day exhibition. Flag-raising ceremonies will take place at the Lahore High Court Rawalpindi Bench, district courts, District Bar Association, universities, and the Education Board. From August 1 to August 14, government officials and employees will wear Independence Day badges, and national flags will be prominently hoisted on rooftops across the city. In celebration of the occasion, sweets will be distributed at hospitals and Adiala Jail, and sentence remissions will be granted to eligible inmates. Awards will be presented to buildings with the most exceptional decorations. Citywide decorations will commence from August 1, marking the onset of celebrations. A high-level planning meeting, chaired by DC Hassan Waqar Cheema, was held to review and finalise preparations. During the session, a comprehensive programme of events was officially approved, underscoring the administration's commitment to celebrating Independence Day with unprecedented zeal, unity, and national pride.
