Transfer of historic sacred tombstone inscription dating back to 170 AH postponed due to time constraints; Minister orders expansion of construction, revision of development budget and improved facilities for pilgrims
AGHAM KOT/HYDERABAD: Sindh Provincial Minister for Auqaf, Religious Affairs, Zakat and Ushr, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi, has reaffirmed the Sindh government's commitment to providing essential facilities to thousands of pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh, Hazrat Syeda Khadija Bibi Maham (SA), daughter of Imam Musa Kazim (AS), at Agham Kot, Sindh.
Addressing a reception hosted in his honour by Brigadier (R) Syed Karrar Hussain Abidi, a prominent leader of the Zaireen Khidmat Committee, the provincial minister assured that every possible effort would be made to improve facilities for devotees arriving from across Pakistan.
He said that special cooperation would be sought from the Chief Minister of Sindh and members of the Provincial Assembly representing Badin, Tando Allahyar and Tando Muhammad Khan to ensure the early provision of essential amenities, including cleanliness, safe drinking water, toilets, ablution facilities and improved access roads.
The minister emphasised that the increasing number of pilgrims visiting the historic shrine required comprehensive development planning and coordinated efforts among relevant government departments.
Earlier, President of the Karachi Editors Club, Mubasher Mir, delivered the welcome address and highlighted various difficulties faced by pilgrims, along with issues relating to the ongoing construction and development of the shrine.
Taking immediate notice of the concerns raised, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi issued necessary instructions to the concerned authorities for their prompt resolution.
On the occasion, Brigadier (R) Syed Karrar Hussain Abidi presented a Sipasnama (address of appreciation) to the provincial minister, acknowledging his support and contributions towards the development and preservation of the sacred shrine.
Karachi Editors Club President Mubasher Mir also presented an honorary award shield to the minister in recognition of his valuable services and commitment to the development of religious and historical sites in Sindh.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Syed Manzar Naqvi.
Following the reception, the provincial minister visited the Holy Shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh, offered his respects and laid a traditional ceremonial chadar at the sacred resting place.
During his inspection of the ongoing construction work, the minister expressed serious displeasure over the contractor's decision to exclude a 20-by-20-foot portion of land from the approved construction area.
He immediately directed the relevant authorities to initiate the necessary approval process for construction on the excluded portion and announced that the development budget would also be revised to accommodate the additional work.
The minister further instructed the authorities to construct a grand entrance gate, install quality tiles in the shrine's courtyard and passageways, and ensure that all construction activities were completed in accordance with prescribed quality standards.
He stressed that no compromise should be made on the quality of construction and that the development work must reflect the religious, historical and cultural significance of the shrine.
Meanwhile, the scheduled relocation of the ancient, historic and sacred tombstone inscription from the shrine's underground chamber (Sardab) to the upper public visitation area (Ziaratgah-e-Aam) could not take place due to time constraints and certain logistical difficulties.
The inscription, currently installed at the sacred grave of Hazrat Syeda Khadija Bibi Maham (SA) inside the Sardab, bears the date, time and year of her martyrdom, recorded as 170 AH.
The provincial minister announced that arrangements would be made to transfer the historic inscription to the public visitation area at the earliest possible opportunity, enabling pilgrims and visitors to view this important religious and historical artefact.
The proposed relocation is regarded as an important step towards preserving the shrine's historical heritage and making the ancient inscription accessible to devotees and researchers.
Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Sheerazi also planted a commemorative sapling at the shrine premises, formally launching a tree plantation campaign aimed at improving the surrounding environment and enhancing the beauty of the sacred site.
The minister reiterated that the Sindh government would continue extending support for the preservation, restoration and development of the Holy Shrine of Masooma-e-Sindh, while ensuring that pilgrims visiting this historically significant religious destination are provided with adequate facilities and a comfortable environment.
