September 04, 2007	Tuesday	Sha'aban 21, 1428

SEHWAN, Sept 3: The annual Urs celebrations of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar concluded on a high note on Monday amid a rising death toll that reached 30.

Thousands of people, including Hindu and Muslim pilgrims, kept pouring in even on the last day to pay tribute to the revered saint, who always preached the message of love, peace and social harmony.

CM’S VISIT: Frenzy was witnessed when Chief Minister Arbab Ghulam Rahim arrived at the shrine in the evening. Thousands of devotees were barred from entering the shrine since 12 noon and roads were blocked. Police resorted to baton charge to make way for the chief minister that left many pilgrims injured.

Commenting on the current political situation, Mr Rahim told reporters that talks between the government and PPP chairperson broke down due to Benazir Bhutto’s insistence on repealing the Article 58 2(b) of the Constitution and the restriction placed on her holding the office of prime minister for the third time.

He said the local administration was not responsible for the deaths occurred during the festivities and put the entire blame on the hot rural conditions.

ADABI CONFERENCE: Around 135 notable poets, writers, musicians and intellectuals gathered on Sunday right at the ADABI Conference.

They presented verses in praise of the Qalandar and promoted the message of peace and harmony.

Qazi Badruddin presented an English poem on the occasion while Jai Ram Jogi enthralled the audience with music on the flute.

DEATHS: Ten more pilgrims died on Monday due to suffocation, heat-strobe and drowning taking the death toll during the entire period to 30.

Bodies were recovered from Bodlo Bahar, Makrani Mohalla, Lal Bagh and other areas.

The local Edhi centre said that 18 dead bodies had been identified and were handed over to relatives.

A musical show was being held near the shrine at the time of filing of this report as rumours of Abida Parveen making an appearance were doing the rounds.

However, the presence of Shazia Khushik, Fahim Allan Faqir and number of other popular singers ensured that the Urs would end on a high note.