THE 767th annual urs will take place at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s mazaar in Sehwan Sharif today (Wednesday).

Every year people from all parts of the country visit the shrine to make an offering and attain peace. This has been going on for years.

However, after the bomb blast at the shrine in February 2016 which left more than more than 80 dead and many others injured, things have changed.

Anti-state elements cannot stand the peace and harmony of the saint or his resting place. They try to upset the law and order situation of the country to achieve their means. Preventive measures should be taken in order to avoid these situations in the future.

Here are a few points we can follow: all vehicles need to be registered before entering the city. Every group needs to identify themselves — state which area they are from, how long they intend to stay and where. Bus terminals should be situated outside the city limits. All hotels, guest houses and private accommodations should ensure that they have computerised national identity cards with anyone staying on the premises. It would work in the government’s favour to hire local volunteers to guide visitors. Additionally the Rangers should be asked to help out with security detail as well.

As a resident of Sehwan Sharif I feel that these simple steps can help us enjoy the urs in a safe environment.

Ghulam Haider Birahmani

Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2019