September 18, 2007	Tuesday	Ramazan 05, 1428

KHAIRPUR, Sept 17: Sajjada Nasheen of Dargah of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast, Sakhi Qabool Mohammad, has deplored lack of facilities at the shrine of the sufi saint for the devotes who are scheduled to attend the upcoming annual Urs which is set to begin from 14th of Ramazan.

He told Dawn on Monday that the devotees, like previous years, would experience a number of problems due to lack of facilities.

He added that at present drainage water has pooled outside the shrine and the administration was busy to fulfil only formalities.

Criticising the Sachal Yadgar Committee, he said that it was more involved in politicking instead of undertaking uplift of the shrine or making arrangements for the devotees during the annual Urs celebrations.

He said that in 2003, the Governor Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ibad, had granted Rs2 million for marble floor and other works but due to inefficiency of administration no work has been carried out at the shrine.

He added that he has personally invited Governor Sindh Dr Ishratul Ibad for Urs celebrations this year and sent invitation to him through fax. He said that each year the provincial ministers come during the Urs and make announcements none of which had ever been implemented.

He regretted that no construction work was carried out on the 150 feet wide road linking the shrine with the main road.

He said that an amount of Rs 10 million was sanctioned with the efforts of MNA of the area, Syed Fazal Shah Jilani, for carrying out renovation work at the shrine and for beautification of Daraza Sharif about two years back which remained un-utilised.

PATH LAB: The District Nazim of Khairpur, Niaz Hussain Shah Jilani, inaugurated a pathological laboratory at the Civil Hospital here on Monday. The lab will cost Rs375,000 funds for which will be provided under CCB scheme.