By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi during the annual Urs celebrations, where he laid a ceremonial chadar and offered Fateha on behalf of the citizens of Karachi.
The mayor was accompanied by local officials and paid tribute to the revered Sufi saint, acknowledging his spiritual, religious and social contributions. He said the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi served as a major spiritual centre in Karachi and formed an important part of the city’s historical and religious identity.
He noted that thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad visited the shrine every year during the Urs to express devotion and pay their respects, describing the occasion as one that reflected the city’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
Murtaza Wahab said that Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi, along with other Sufi saints, had promoted values of love, brotherhood, tolerance and peace, and played a significant role in spreading what he described as the true teachings of Islam. He said their legacy continued to guide future generations and remained deeply respected among the people of Karachi.
He said that relevant institutions had made comprehensive arrangements for the security and convenience of visitors during the three-day Urs, ensuring that devotees could participate in religious rituals in a peaceful environment.
The mayor added that Karachi residents shared a special spiritual attachment with Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi and said the city drew a unique cultural and spiritual identity from his legacy. He said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation would continue to support and promote traditions linked with the city’s shrines and heritage.
During the visit, he also announced that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had declared Monday, June 8, a local holiday across the city in connection with the Urs. According to the notification, all KMC offices, except those providing essential services, would remain closed. The decision was taken under City Council Resolution No. 594 dated January 27, 2005.
The visit concluded with prayers and expressions of respect from officials and devotees gathered at the shrine, as the Urs celebrations continued with traditional religious fervour and large public participation.
