HYDERABAD: Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah has stated that the message of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai revolves around the ethos of peace, brotherhood, humanity, and tolerance, adding that this philosophy remains a beacon of light for the entire world.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the Latif Awards on the third day of Bhittai’s 283rd Urs at H.T. Sorley Hall in Bhit Shah on Friday. The Chief Minister declared that the Sindh government would continue its endeavours to introduce Bhittai’s philosophy, literature, and music globally, while preserving the province’s rich cultural heritage. He noted that events like the Latif Awards serve to encourage those who work tirelessly to disseminate the saint’s message through outstanding scholarly and artistic contributions.

In his presidential address, Sindh Culture Minister Syed Zulfikar Ali Shah described the Latif Awards as the highest cultural honours in Sindh.

He explained that these awards recognise individuals who make remarkable efforts to promote Bhittai’s poetry, ideology, music, and literature through research, thereby preserving mystic values and ensuring the international projection of Sindh’s heritage.

Sindh Ministers Nasir Hussain Shah and Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the imperative need to preserve Sindh’s Sufi heritage and Bhittai’s teachings.

Later, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, alongside provincial ministers and the shrine’s custodian, distributed the prestigious Latif Awards to outstanding contributors. The recipients included Faqir Ali Bux Magsi (Bhittai’s ragi), Qazi Badruddin (best sughar), Mumtaz Ali (banjo player), Badar Abro (research literature), Rajab Ali Raza (keyboard player), Mohammad Aslam Khan (tabla nawaz), and Shaman Ali Mirali (best singer). A commemorative shield was also presented to Director General Culture Sindh Habibullah Memon. Earlier upon his arrival in Bhit Shah, the Chief Minister laid a floral wreath on the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, listened to Shah Jo Raag, and offered prayers for the prosperity and progress of Sindh and Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2026