All provincial government offices to remain closed on July 29, except essential services
KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has declared Wednesday, July 29, 2026, as a public holiday across the province on the occasion of the Urs of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.).
According to a notification issued by the Services, General Administration and Coordination Department (SGA&CD), 14th Safar 1448 A.H., corresponding to July 29, 2026, will be observed as a public holiday throughout Sindh.
The holiday will apply to all provincial government offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous bodies, corporations and local councils operating under the administrative control of the Government of Sindh.
However, essential services will remain operational and are exempt from the holiday notification.
The annual Urs of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.), one of the greatest Sufi saints and poets of the subcontinent, is observed with religious devotion and cultural festivities at his shrine in Bhit Shah, attracting thousands of devotees from across Pakistan.
Every year, the Sindh government announces a public holiday to facilitate pilgrims and devotees participating in the Urs celebrations, which feature religious gatherings, traditional music, poetry recitals and cultural events in honour of the renowned Sufi scholar and poet.
The shrine is expected to witness a large influx of pilgrims, with devotees offering floral wreaths, chadars and Fateha at the mausoleum. Temporary medical camps, security arrangements, drinking water facilities and special transport services are also expected to be provided by the provincial administration to facilitate visitors during the celebrations.
Cultural events showcasing Sindh’s rich heritage, including folk music, handicrafts and traditional performances, are also likely to be held alongside the religious ceremonies. The annual Urs serves not only as a spiritual gathering but also as a celebration of Sindh’s cultural identity, bringing together people from different regions, faiths and communities.
Authorities are expected to implement comprehensive security and traffic management plans around Bhit Shah to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims and maintain law and order during the festivities. Thousands of devotees are anticipated to visit the shrine throughout the celebrations, making it one of the largest annual religious and cultural events in Sindh.