At least 16 people lost their lives, and dozens were injured in separate accidents involving two buses carrying pilgrims in Nawabshah and Khairpur.
In Nawabshah, a tragic collision between a van carrying pilgrims and a trailer occurred near Fatuhal Zardari village on Amri Road, resulting in at least six deaths and injuring 10 others.
Meanwhile, in Khairpur, a coach carrying pilgrims overturned near Ranipur on the National Highway, leading to the deaths of at least 10 individuals and injuring over 30 others.
According to police reports, the injured were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals for medical attention.
The pilgrims were traveling to Sehwan Sharif to attend the annual urs (death anniversary) of Usman Marwandi, famously known as Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Rescue sources reported that seven of the injured remain in critical condition. It was further revealed that the passenger coach was traveling from Punjab to Sehwan.
Additionally, the Sindh government has declared a public holiday on February 19 in honor of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s urs.
The annual urs celebrations begin on February 17, attracting thousands of devotees who gather at the saint’s shrine to pay homage and participate in various religious rituals.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is deeply revered not only in Pakistan but across South Asia. His followers come together at his shrine in Sehwan every year, engaging in spiritual and devotional activities.
A prominent highlight of the urs is the mystical dance known as “Dhamaal,” which is widely popular in Sindh and primarily performed by fakirs, dervishes, and devotees as an expression of spiritual ecstasy.
