KHAIRPUR / SUKKUR, Aug 22: Five women and a man, disciples of Pir Pagara, died as a stampede broke out during the annual ‘Deedar-i-Aam’ (general appearance) of the pir at the Dargah Pir Jo Goth on Eid day.

Thousands of disciples from across the country had gathered at the dargah after Eid prayers for a glimpse of Pir Pagara.

Those who lost their lives have been identified as Zeenat, Zarina, Safia Bhambhro, Zaibun Nisa, Ameeran and Hakim Ali of Khipro and Bozdar Wada. According to some reports, an infant also died.

The occasion attracted a larger than usual crowd this year because it was the first Eid after the ascension of Pir Sibghatullah Shah as the eighth Pir Pagara following the death of his father Pir Ali Mardan Shah.

Pir Pagara expressed grief over the deaths and criticised the performance of the deputy commissioner and senior superintendent of police of Khairpur and the administration’s failure to provide adequate medical and emergency facilities in the district headquarters hospital.

Talking to Dawn, Pir Pagara’s Naib Khalifa Fakir Wali Mohammad said when the stampede broke out the dargah’s management contacted the deputy commissioner and district health officer for ambulance and other emergency arrangements to save the lives of the affected people but they had no arrangements in place. He said the Pir Jo Goth tehsil headquarters hospital also lacked proper facilities.

He said appropriate security measures had not been taken by the government for the occasion. Replying to a question, Fakir Wali Mohammad said the deaths were caused by extremely hot weather and rejected reports that women had been stopped from using the main gate and they were forced to pass through windows.

The officials concerned could not be contacted for comments.