ISLAMABAD: The locals have objected to holding of Bari Imam Urs from August 15-17 on the grounds that it does not coincide with the original dates of the Urs. Moreover, the dates clash with Azadari activities to be held in that area.

Tanvir Hussain Abbasi, chairman of the newly-formed “Awam Dost Group” has written a letter to the chief commissioner Islamabad for the postponement of the Urs of Bari Imam which is being held after a gap of 16 years.

Mr Abbasi said the prime minister had reconstituted a committee for development and management of Hazrat Bari Imam Shrine on July 29, 2023.

The committee consisted of 13 members headed by former finance minister Ishaq Dar.

The committee had decided to hold the three-day Urs from August 15, but the decision to hold the Urs in Muharram has hurt the feelings of Muslims.

The letter said: “You being the head of Auqaf Department should take up the matter for postponement of the Urs immediately to control the reaction and resentment of the residents of the capital city.”

The letter said traditionally the Urs of Hazarat Bari Imam was observed in May every year preferably on the first Sunday and for a duration of five days - commencing on Sunday and ending on Thursday.

Mr Abbasi said all the rituals were performed by the Sajada Nasheen families whose ancestors had taken care of the shrine for about 270 years before the shrine was taken over by the Auqaf Department in 1960s.

“The proposed Urs should be postponed till May 2024 to avoid any kind of reaction from the devotees and five days duration should be restored,” he said, talking to media on Saturday.

He also regretted that one member of the committee, who calls himself as “Khadim Darbar Bari Imam” had also issued invitation cards to guests in connection with events planned to celebrate the Urs.

Mr Abbasi said these events will be held at Bari Imam House built at encroached land instead of the premises of Bari Imam shrine.

“It is responsibility and duty of Auqaf Department to undertake all arrangements of Urs being the custodian of the affairs and funds of shrine of Hazarat Bari Imam,” he said.

Meanwhile, another local resident of Bari Imam area, Ikhlaq Shah, said the invitation cards should be issued by the manager or any senior officer of the Auqaf Department rather than any private person.

“Besides, the government has changed the name of Bari Imam Sarkar from Syed Abdul Latif Shah Kazmi to Syed Abdul Latif Qadri,” he added.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2023