Benazir’s fifth death anniversary: Jiyalas show up in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh sans enthusiasm
Over 7,000 law enforcers deployed as millions expected to attend.
Tight security arrangements in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh have reportedly contributed to a lower turnout. PHOTO: AFP
SUKKUR:
As caravans of Pakistan Peoples Party jiyalas made it to Garhi Khuda Bukhsh on Wednesday, the palpable excitement and enthusiasm that used to characterise PPP’s public gatherings in the past appeared to be absent this time around.
Disagreements between two PPP power wielders from Sukkur, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Ahmed Shah and Senator Islamuddin Shaikh, have been blamed for the relatively low turnout of PPP supporters.
Uncertainty also surrounded the arrival of jiyalas from Ghotki, as massive caravans carrying the PPP’s traditional red-black-green flag were conspicuous by their absence from the National Highway. Heightened security measures have also been blamed for the low turnout.
A lot of hopes have been pinned on newly appointed Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood, and former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, who are expected to pull in a large number of PPP supporters from southern Punjab.
Arrangements complete
Security arrangements in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh and neighbouring Naudero, have been completed. More than 7,000 policemen, Rangers and commandos have been deployed. CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring the mausoleum, the stage and the massive ground. All vehicles entering Naudero and Garhi Khuda Bukhsh are being greeted by Rangers and sniffer dogs.
Cognizant of the fact that people from all parts of Sindh, as well as many areas from Punjab and the rest of the country, will be descending on Garhi Khuda Bukhsh for at least two days, the district administration has erected numerous tents in the area for out-of-town visitors. Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said that authorities will provide food, water and refreshments to the visitors. According to estimates, it may cost a person coming to Garhi Khuda Bukhsh from elsewhere in Sindh at least Rs2,500 for lodgings and food.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2012.
As caravans of Pakistan Peoples Party jiyalas made it to Garhi Khuda Bukhsh on Wednesday, the palpable excitement and enthusiasm that used to characterise PPP’s public gatherings in the past appeared to be absent this time around.
Disagreements between two PPP power wielders from Sukkur, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Khursheed Ahmed Shah and Senator Islamuddin Shaikh, have been blamed for the relatively low turnout of PPP supporters.
Uncertainty also surrounded the arrival of jiyalas from Ghotki, as massive caravans carrying the PPP’s traditional red-black-green flag were conspicuous by their absence from the National Highway. Heightened security measures have also been blamed for the low turnout.
A lot of hopes have been pinned on newly appointed Punjab Governor Makhdoom Ahmed Mehmood, and former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gillani, who are expected to pull in a large number of PPP supporters from southern Punjab.
Arrangements complete
Security arrangements in Garhi Khuda Bukhsh and neighbouring Naudero, have been completed. More than 7,000 policemen, Rangers and commandos have been deployed. CCTV cameras have been installed for monitoring the mausoleum, the stage and the massive ground. All vehicles entering Naudero and Garhi Khuda Bukhsh are being greeted by Rangers and sniffer dogs.
Cognizant of the fact that people from all parts of Sindh, as well as many areas from Punjab and the rest of the country, will be descending on Garhi Khuda Bukhsh for at least two days, the district administration has erected numerous tents in the area for out-of-town visitors. Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah said that authorities will provide food, water and refreshments to the visitors. According to estimates, it may cost a person coming to Garhi Khuda Bukhsh from elsewhere in Sindh at least Rs2,500 for lodgings and food.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2012.