The Sindh government has officially declared February 19, 2025 (Wednesday) as a public holiday to honor the annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, one of the most revered Sufi saints in Pakistan. The decision was announced through an official notification issued by the Department of Services, General Administration & Coordination, confirming that all public and private offices across the province will remain closed.
Public and Private Offices to Remain Closed
According to the notification, all government offices, autonomous and semi-autonomous bodies, local councils, and corporations under the Sindh government’s administrative control will observe the public holiday. However, essential services will continue to operate without interruption.
The notification emphasized that the holiday is specifically for the province of Sindh, and both public and private sector employees will get a day off in recognition of the significant cultural and spiritual event.
Sindh High Court Also Observing Holiday
In line with the provincial government’s decision, the Sindh High Court (SHC) has also declared February 19 a public holiday. Both SHC and its subordinate courts will remain closed to mark the Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
The Urs, an annual three-day spiritual celebration, attracts thousands of devotees from across the country. The festivities include Dhamal (Sufi dance), Qawwali (devotional music), and Sufi poetry recitals, honoring the Sufi saint’s teachings of love, tolerance, and peace.
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Special Trains for Devotees
To accommodate the influx of pilgrims traveling to Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of two special trains:
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Faisalabad to Sehwan Sharif:
- Departure: February 14, 2025 (Friday) at 10:00 PM
- Arrival: February 15 (Saturday) at 2:15 PM
- Route: Via Shorkot, Lodhran, Rohri, and Dadu
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Lahore to Sehwan Sharif:
- Departure: February 15, 2025 (Saturday) at 3:00 PM
- Arrival: February 16 (Sunday) at 9:00 AM
For the return journey, the Faisalabad-bound train will leave Sehwan Sharif at 4:00 PM on February 20, while the Lahore-bound train will depart at 5:00 PM on the same day.
The Sindh government’s declaration of a public holiday reflects the cultural and religious significance of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s Urs, which continues to unite people from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of Sufi traditions and spiritual heritage.