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Bhit Shah Cultural Centre, Matiari

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Bhit Shah Cultural Centre was established in the early 1960s following the adoption of Sindh Cultural Act of 1954. Various dignitaries of the time periodically visited it and inaugurated it one after the other. For the first time, it was inaugurated by Pirzada Abdus Sattar, then Chief Minister Sindh, in 1954 (who was also the man behind passing the Cultural Act and establishing this institution). This was followed by the inauguration of this centre as well as the museum by the then Federal Minister, Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1962. Again, it was inaugurated by Mr. Muhammad Khan Junejo, then Minister Communication, West Pakistan in 1964 and finally by Mr. Abu Nasar, then Commissioner Hyderabad in 1965.

The museum, which was opened as a sister organisation of Bhit Shah Cultural Centre, by and large succeeded in highlighting and promoting the agenda for which the centre was established.

Renowned artist, Zafar Kazmi craftly depicted the role of Seven Sunnis, sung by Hazarat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in his Kalam. The museum remains the centre of hectic public activity throughout the day and people thronging to Dargah from far flung areas, compulsorily visit it in groups and get fascinated after their thorough walk inside the museum. Moreover, a number of other institutions such as School of Sindhi Music and a Resource Centre have also been recently added to the centre.

The Cultural Centre Complex also comprises an specious auditorium meant for annual functions and celebrations of the Dargah of Shah Abul Latif Bhitai.

[Source: Matiari The Cultural Capital of Sindh by Momin Bullo]