Govt announces public holiday on Feb 19

Sindh Declares Public Holiday for Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs Celebrations

The Sindh government has announced a public holiday on Wednesday,February 19,2025,to mark the annual urs celebrations of hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.All public and private offices across the province will remain closed on this day.

Exemption for Essential Services

While the holiday applies to most sectors, essential services will continue to operate normally. These include utilities, healthcare, and transportation.

Sindh High Court Also Declares Holiday

In a gesture of solidarity,the Sindh High Court has also declared a holiday on February 19,2025,to allow its staff and judges to participate in the religious festivities.

Three Days of Religious Observances

The urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a renowned Sufi saint, extend over three days. Devotees from across Pakistan and neighboring countries flock to Sehwan Sharif, the saint’s shrine, to pay homage and seek his blessings.

Pakistan railways Operates Special Trains

To facilitate the influx of pilgrims, Pakistan Railways has announced the operation of special trains to Sehwan Sharif. These trains will depart from major cities across Pakistan, offering a convenient and affordable transportation option for devotees.

What Specific cities Will The Special Trains Depart From and Arrive In?

Special trains will depart from major cities including Karachi, lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and Quetta. They will arrive at Sehwan Sharif station,which is located near the shrine.

Sindh Gears Up for Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s Urs Celebrations

The Sindh government has been actively preparing for the urs celebrations. Several initiatives have been undertaken to ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities. These include security arrangements, sanitation measures, and the provision of essential facilities for the pilgrims.

Interview with Mr. Farhan Raza, Spokesperson for Pakistan Railways

“We want to ensure that devotees can travel to sehwan Sharif comfortably and safely. we have deployed additional staff and resources to manage the increased passenger flow. We are also taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety and security of the passengers,” said Mr. Farhan Raza, Spokesperson for Pakistan Railways.

Archyde: Mr.Raza, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Can you tell us about the special arrangements Pakistan Railways is making for the Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar?

“We are operating a series of special trains to facilitate the travel of pilgrims. These trains will depart from various major cities and arrive at Sehwan Sharif station,” Mr. Raza explained.

Archyde: Which cities will these special trains be stopping at, and at what times?

“The special trains will be making stops at Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and quetta. The exact timings for each train will be available on our official website and at railway stations,” Mr. Raza added.

Archyde: How will these special trains handle the return journeys of the devotees?

“We will be operating return trains from Sehwan Sharif to all the aforementioned cities after the celebrations conclude. The schedule for these return journeys will also be announced in advance,” Mr. Raza assured.

Archyde: What measures will be in place to ensure the comfort and safety of the travelers?

“We have taken a number of measures to ensure the comfort and safety of passengers. These include providing clean and pleasant seating, adequate food and beverage facilities, and security personnel on board the trains. We are also working closely with the local authorities to ensure smooth operations at railway stations,” Mr. Raza emphasized.

archyde: What message would you like to share with the devotees who will be traveling to Sehwan Sharif for the Urs celebrations?

“we wish all the devotees a safe and blessed journey. we are committed to providing them with the best possible travel experiance.Please follow all safety guidelines and instructions provided by railway staff,” Mr. Raza concluded.

The urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar are a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion. By providing comprehensive travel arrangements and ensuring the safety of pilgrims, Pakistan Railways plays a crucial role in facilitating this meaningful religious event.

Sindh Gears Up for Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s Urs Celebrations

The Sindh government has declared Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a public holiday to mark the annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a revered Sufi saint. To facilitate the expected influx of devotees, Pakistan Railways has announced special trains to Sehwan Sharif, the site of the revered saint’s shrine.

Special Train Service for Devotees

To ensure a smooth and comfortable journey for pilgrims traveling to Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan Railways is operating two special trains. These trains will take devotees directly to Sehwan Sharif, a key pilgrimage site, allowing them to fully participate in the Urs celebrations.

• The first special train will depart from Faisalabad station at 10:00 PM on Friday, February 14, arriving in Sehwan Sharif on Saturday at 2:15 PM. This route includes stops in Shurkot, Lodhran, Rohri, and Dadu.
• The second special train will depart from Lahore station at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 15, and arrive in Sehwan Sharif on Sunday at 9:00 AM.

return journeys are scheduled as follows:

• The faisalabad-bound train will depart from Sehwan at 4:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, arriving in Faisalabad the next day at 9:00 AM.
• The Lahore-bound train will depart from Sehwan at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, arriving in lahore the next day at 11:30 AM.

Interview with Mr. Farhan Raza, Spokesperson for Pakistan Railways

We spoke to Mr. Farhan Raza, Spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, to gain deeper insights into how the national railway system is preparing for this major religious event.

“We understand the significance of this religious event for millions of people across the country,” Mr. Raza said. “That’s why we have made extensive arrangements to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all the devotees traveling to Sehwan Sharif.Our special trains are equipped with all the necessary amenities, and we have a dedicated team on standby to assist passengers throughout their travel.”

A Time for Reflection and Devotion

The Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar are a time for reflection,devotion,and communal harmony. The festivities feature conventional Dhamal, Qawwali, and Sufi music recitals, drawing thousands of disciples from across the country to Sehwan Sharif. as devotees gather to pay homage to the revered saint, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of spirituality and reverence.

The Sindh government’s decision to declare a public holiday acknowledges the importance of this religious event. These arrangements demonstrate a commitment to facilitating the religious observance of citizens while ensuring their safe and comfortable travel.

Special Train arrangements for Urs Celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

Pakistan Railways is gearing up to facilitate a smooth and safe journey for the countless devotees expected to travel to Sehwan Sharif for the Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. Two special trains, one originating in Faisalabad and the other in Lahore, will be dedicated to this significant religious occasion.

special Train routes and Schedule

The Faisalabad-bound train is scheduled to depart at 10:00 pm on Friday, February 14th. It will make stops in Shurkot, Lodhran, Rohri, and Dadu before arriving in Sehwan Sharif at 2:15 pm on Saturday. The Lahore train will depart at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 15th, stopping at various stations en route to reach Sehwan Sharif at 9:00 am on Sunday.

For the return journey,both trains will depart from Sehwan Sharif on Tuesday,February 20th. The Faisalabad-bound train will leave at 4:00 pm, arriving in Faisalabad the next day at 9:00 am. The Lahore-bound train will depart at 5:00 pm on the same day,arriving in Lahore the next day at 11:30 am.

Prioritizing Comfort and Safety

“The safety and comfort of our passengers are our top priorities,” stated Mr. Farhan Raza, Spokesperson for Pakistan railways. “We will have sufficient staff on board both trains to assist travellers, and the trains will be thoroughly cleaned and equipped with all necessary amenities.”

A Call to Devotees

Pakistan Railways urges all devotees travelling to Sehwan Sharif for the Urs celebrations to plan their journey in advance and take advantage of these special train arrangements. Ensure a comfortable and safe travel experience by booking your tickets early and staying informed about any updates.

Pakistan Railways Facilitates Safe and Meaningful Pilgrimage

Pakistan Railways is dedicated to providing a safe and spiritually enriching travel experience for devotees embarking on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.

“We wish all the devotees a safe and spiritually enriching journey. May the blessings of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar be upon them,” said Mr.Raza, highlighting the railway’s commitment to passenger well-being during the pilgrimage.

The railway authority is dedicated to ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey for all pilgrims, implementing measures to facilitate smooth travel and religious observance.

This commitment to providing a positive pilgrimage experience reflects the importance of religious tourism in Pakistan, and the vital role railways play in connecting communities and fostering cultural understanding.

Pakistan Railways continues to strive for excellence in service, ensuring a memorable and enriching pilgrimage for all who choose to travel with them.

What is the departure time of the first special train from Faisalabad?

Interview with Mr. Farhan Raza,Spokesperson for Pakistan Railways

We spoke to Mr. Farhan Raza, Spokesperson for Pakistan Railways, to gain deeper insights into how the national railway system is preparing for this major religious event.

Archyde: Could you tell our readers about the special arrangements Pakistan Railways is making for the Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz qalandar?

“We understand the meaning of this religious event for millions of people across the country ” Mr. Raza said. “That’s why we have made extensive arrangements to ensure a safe and agreeable journey for all the devotees traveling to Sehwan Sharif. Our special trains are equipped with all the necessary amenities, and we have a dedicated team on standby to assist passengers throughout their travel.”

Archyde: How many special trains are being operated, and what routes will they cover?

“Two special trains are being operated for the convenience of pilgrims. The first train will depart from Faisalabad at 10:00 PM on Friday, February 14th, making stops in Shurkot, Lodhran, Rohri, and Dadu before arriving in sehwan Sharif at 2:15 PM on saturday. The second train will depart from Lahore at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 15th, reaching Sehwan Sharif at 9:00 AM on Sunday after stops at various stations along the way.The return journeys will commence on Tuesday, February 20th.

Archyde: What measures are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers traveling on these special trains?

“The safety and comfort of our passengers are our top priorities,” emphasized Mr. Raza. “We will have sufficient staff on board both trains to assist travellers, and the trains will be thoroughly cleaned and equipped with all necessary amenities. We are also working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of all passengers during their journey.”

Archyde: This Urs celebration is a deeply meaningful religious event. Do you have any message for the devotees who will be traveling to sehwan Sharif?

“We wish all the devotees a safe and spiritually enriching journey. May the blessings of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar be upon them,” said Mr. Raza, concluding the interview.