HYDERABAD, March 15: Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim on Wednesday inaugurated the three-day 262nd urs of Sufi saint and poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai by laying a chadar on his mazar.

Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Qamar Mansoor, Minister for Auqaf Sardar Manzoor Panhwar, Matiari District Nazim Mohammad Ali Shah Jamote and MPA Jalal Shah Jamote were present on the occasion.

The chief minister was received by Mazhar Hussain Shah alias Nazan Saeen and the elite of the district.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of four books published by the Sindh culture department, the chief minister urged the district nazim to initiate beautification programme of Bhitshah and assured that the government would provide all funds.

He said that the family of late artist Waheed Ali would be paid Rs200,000. He also gave Rs200,000 for distribution among other artists and announced upgradation of the Bhitshah Health Centre.

He directed the district administration to take practical steps for setting up a college in Bhitshah which he had announced earlier.

He announced that Shah Latif day would be celebrated in all districts of Sindh and added that public holiday would be observed every year on occasion of urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.

He said that Shah Latif was a celestial and universal poet and stressed the need for spreading his message of peace and love in the world.

The chief minister also announced Rs20 million for expansion of Dargah Sharif and for construction of metalled roads and lanes and directed the Matiari district government to prepare a scheme in this regard.

He directed the irrigation department to ensure the availability of water in Karar Dhand throughout the year.

He directed the DPO to maintain law and order during urs and take strict action to check immoral activities and use of narcotics.

The minister for culture and tourism gave details of future programmes including preparation of CDs.