Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah led the Latif Award Ceremony in Bhit Shah, paying homage to the enduring legacy of the Bhutto family and reaffirming the provincial government’s dedication to the principles of Sufism. The high-profile event, part of the Urs celebrations of the renowned Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, was attended by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and other distinguished guests.
In his address, Shah highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Bhutto family and Bhit Shah, recalling that former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of the region’s Cultural Center over six decades ago. He also remembered Benazir Bhutto’s historic participation in the 250th Urs of Shah Latif, during which she delivered an influential speech in the Sindhi language, emphasizing the deep-rooted cultural connections between Sindh and the teachings of Shah Latif.
Murad Ali Shah read excerpts from Benazir Bhutto’s speech, stressing her iconic statement that understanding Sindh is impossible without appreciating Bhittai’s work, and vice versa. He highlighted her persistent call for young people to prioritize education and hard work—values that remain central to the present day. Shah also reminded the audience that Benazir Bhutto personally funded the publication of Bhittai’s poetry, ensuring its distribution to universities across the province.
Drawing a connection between past and present, Shah noted that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s attendance came more than three decades after his mother’s memorable participation, evoking a sense of continuity and reflection. He quoted Benazir Bhutto’s message of resilience, declaring the PPP’s readiness to confront violence when necessary but reaffirming their preference for dialogue and peace rooted in Sufi values.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the establishment of a Sufi University, a project initiated by President Asif Ali Zardari to realize Benazir Bhutto’s vision of a Center of Excellence for Sufi studies. He assured the audience that under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s leadership, the Sindh government would continue to promote the timeless messages and teachings of Sindh’s Sufi saints.
Shah concluded his remarks by reflecting on the broader significance of the current Independence Day celebrations, linking them to Pakistan’s historical unity and resilience—describing national victory as ‘Bunyan-ul-Marsus’ and dedicating festivities to the theme of ‘Marka-e-Haq’ or ‘The Battle of Truth.’ He said this spirit of patriotism and unity has been woven into the Urs celebrations of Shah Latif, reinforcing the lasting influence of Sufi philosophy and Bhutto family leadership in the province.
