KARACHI: Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin, the spiritual leader of the Bohra community, arrived in the metropolis on Thursday evening.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and other high-ranking officers, along with a large number of Bohra community members, received him at the airport’s old terminal.

According to a press release, Syedna will deliver a series of sermons in Karachi over nine days, starting from July 8 at Taheri Masjid in Saddar.

There will be a live telecast to over 21 centres in other parts of Karachi as well as the neighbouring city of Hyderabad, it added.

Following an invitation extended by the government and the local Bohra community, Syedna has chosen Karachi to host the “Ashara Mubaraka” congregations this year, it said, adding that over 80,000 Dawoodi Bohras from Pakistan and around the world are expected to attend the events.

Shabbir Harianawala, media coordinator for the Dawoodi Bohras, said that various committees had been set up to handle accommodation, transport, food and provide other necessary facilities to ensure that visitors coming from all parts of the world were able to participate fully and in the best possible manner.

“We’re grateful to the government and local authorities for their support and assistance in hosting thousands of attendees, and ensuring that they have a comfortable stay in the city,” he added.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2024