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Pir Pagara will be laid to rest in the vicinity of the shrine of his grandfather, Hazrat Syed Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi. —File photo
KARACHI: The passing away of Pir Pagara, spiritual leader of the Hur Jamaat, in London on Tuesday night has set off speculation among political circles as to which of his four sons Pir Syed Sibghatullah Shah, Pir Syed Gohar Ali Shah, Pir Syed Sadruddin Shah alias Yunus Sain and Pir Syed Hizbullah Shah Rashdi will succeed him.
There is no tradition of nominating a son as successor by the Pir himself in Hur Jamaat, sources close to the Kingri House, which is the official residence in Karachi of their spiritual guide, told Dawn.
The selection of the successor to the seat, as per practice, lies with Khalifas (elders of the Jamaat) who were nominated by the Pir.
There are 16 Khalifas of the Jamaat, whose strength is stated to be over eight million. At present the chief Khalifa is Quadir Bakhsh Mangrio, who lives in Pir Jo Goth and looks after the Dargah Sharif of Pir Pagara.
Fifteen of the Khalifas live in Pakistan while one in India.
The Pir`s disciples are concentrated in India`s Rajasthan state, Sindh`s Nara belt, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Umarkot and Ghotki districts.
Jam Madad Ali, who is one of the closest disciples of Pir Pagara, told Dawn that the Khalifas were holding their meetings to make arrangements for burial of Pir Pagara in the vicinity of Dargah Sharif of his grandfather, Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi.
It is likely that they will take a decision about the successor before the last rites.
Asked if he had any idea which son was likely to be nominated as heir to the spiritual seat, Jam Madad Ali said: `I have no idea.
Although in Sindh there is a practice of selecting the eld-est son, all depends on Khalifas who give weightage to aspects of the Shariat, among other yardsticks.
According to another source, Pir Syed Sadruddin Shah Rashdi was the favourite. Pir Pagara, according to the source, used to visit the shrine of one of his revered elders, Hazrat Syed Sadruddin Shah, in Lakyari Sharif, Dadu district.
On one of his visits, Pir Pagara had a dream that he would have another son who would follow in his footsteps and disseminate the spiritual message of his elders.
The same year a son was born. He was named after Hazrat Syed Pir Sadruddin Shah. He is also known as Yunus Sain.
Pir Syed Sadruddin Shah was very close to his father and, besides Khalifas, Pir Pagara used to consult him on matters related to the Pakistan Muslim League -E Another indication in his favour was that he was made chief of the PML-F Sindh chapter by Pir Pagara, a source said. `But nothing can be said with finality as it is the prerogative of Khalifas. They are likely to take a decision within 24 hours,` the source added.
The body of Pir Pagara is likely to arrive in Karachi at 6.30 on Thursday morning. The body will be flown straight from the airport to Sukkur by a C-130 and from there to Pir Jo Goth by a helicopter.
Pir Pagara will be laid to rest in the vicinity of the shrine of his grandfather, Hazrat Syed Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi.
According to APP, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah has announced a threeday mourning in the province on the demise of Pir Pagara.
In a statement issued from the Chief Minister`s House, Thursday will be a public holiday in Sindh.
We are a nation of the dead. We don't care how a living child of Pakistan is getting spoiled by not getting proper education and care. When someone dies he becomes greater then what he was when he was alive; you know why? because dead people do not have any needs, they never asks for money, credit or medals. Love people while they are alive, Stop abusing people's emotion.
Announcing these holidays in such a non-challant manner shows the root cause of perpetuation of the feudal system and the miserable peolple's servitude in Sind. One must move the Apex Court to declare this bonding system against the fundamental human rights.
I don't much about his credentials, but I heard he was very respectable among political circle. May Allah bless his soul, Aameen.
On the other people understand how they have been misused for over 80 years by feudal landlords and vederas. They need to stand up and say 'NO' to this foolishness, otherwise Pakistb never come out of stone age and repressive regime.
need to observe how much welfare works these kind of tycoons, which they become after receiving money from simple people, undertake for those who pay them instead they build their own empire.
A great patriot, visionary and leader. May Allah bless his soul. Ameen
Usually 7days of mourning for the loss of a great leader like him is the custom. Why only three days. Public holidays are good for public servants!!!
This is absolutely ridiculous. This Pir is no different to any other person so why should we mourn him. Public Holiday!!! Please listen to yourself! These people have built family empires to rule on the poor uneducated people. People need to wake up and see these people for what they really are
YOU 1000% RIGHT!!
Let me admit my ignorance here: I have lived in Sindh all along, but have had no clue whatsoever regarding 'the message' that the spiritual leaders of the Hur propogate. I mean no offence to anyone, I request some insight into all this. Guide me.
May the departed soul rest in peace, Amine.
This is very sad news about Pir Pagara, but Sindh Govt. announcement about public holiday on Thursday is extremely shocking news for all. We are not raising questions in media that why Govt. has announced holiday.
often saw him on tv predicting events. Surprised he did not see this coming. another old generation politician bites the dust.
Good One
If anyone does not like mother Sindh and her traditions… they should leave her immediately!!
I think shindi people are very submissive to there land lords.
The shocked news has been heard with great sadness, may Allah bestow him Jannatul firdous. He was one of the great political figures in Pakistan and have had enjoyed good relationship with Pakistani forces and agencies. Now I don't know who will play his role & position for establishment.
Oh My God……What will pakistan do without such a great leader. Our economy will collapse, We will have shortage of Electricity and Gas, Our Famous Airline will start to make a loss, we will lose our war with terrorists and will be slaves to America. Oh and there will be increased corruption at all levels.
Got news for you, this guy would do the same for Pakistan (if he had a chance) that Zardari is doing. So please stop being so ignorant and wake up.
I request to the Sindh Govt. to announce 3 days holidays immediately, such a great personality passed away, from his leaving vacuum will not be filled for long time.
Wow having a 3-day long public holiday; meaning the closure of educational systems, industries, public offices,banks etc for mere a person passed away? I wish you understand what you're talking about. You are asking to jam the nations' working machinery for mourning a dead. God help us!
Just few weeks back in Saudi Arabia, their Crown Prince "Prince Sultan" passed away, Crown Prince means 2nd to the King. Believe me we just read on news papers, there was nothing abnormal anywhere, No crowd anywhere, No public holiday, No for everything.
Totally agree. I was there and absolutely there was nothing to reflect the death of crown price…We are going way far from Islam. May Allah (S.T.) guide us back to the right path…
Public holiday? That is ridiculous. We did not get public holidays when the past US presidents die, or when Micheal Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor or Steve Jobs died
These 8 million people need schools desparately.
Am Shocked to hear the announcement of a public holiday in sindh! My God!
Pir Sibghatullah Shah Rashidi's grave is unknown. The British never returned his body. Secondly he was not the grandfather. He was the father.