SWAT: Commissioner Malakand Division Shahid Ullah Khan, Director General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism (KPCTA), Muhammad Bakhtiyar Khan and Brigadier Imran on Friday inaugurated the three-day Shandur Polo Festival in Chitral district amid an atmosphere of jubilation.
A large number of local and foreign tourists arrived to attend Shandur polo festival. The festival has been jointly organized by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), the Pakistan Army, the Frontier Corps, and the district administration.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Malakand, Shahid Ullah Khan said that holding such a big polo festival in Shandur Valley is a milestone and proof that peace has been restored in the country. He mentioned that arranging the polo festival was a difficult task but the security forces and district administrations have made it possible. The Commissioner Malakand Division also highlighted the tremendous skills of Pakistanis which would be utilized for the prosperity and development of the country. He also lauded the efforts of KPCTA, Gilgit Baltistan and the district administrations of Chitral for arranging recreational activities during the festival.
DG KPCTA, Bakhtiar Khan stated that all the necessary arrangements have been made for the facilitation and assistance of tourists. He mentioned that tourism police and guides have been deputed to assist tourists and adequate accommodation facilities have been ensured for visitors. Additionally, camping pods have been installed and are available for tourists, and the helpline of the tourism authority is functional.
Different colorful programs, including paragliding, food stalls and traditional dances have also been arranged at the festival. Stalls have been established to highlight and promote the artworks of local artistes and skilled individuals from Chitral and Gilgit. It is worth mentioning that the Shandur Polo ground is situated at the highest level of 3,800m known as the “Roof of the World,” and the King Game has been held annually since 1936. Chitral is the most peaceful region and attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists annually especially during the Shandur and Kalash festivals.
The KPCTA has made all the necessary arrangements to hold the festival in a befitting manner and to attract domestic and foreign tourists to witness the beauty of the scenic region and traditional games. On the first day the Upper Laspur team beat the Lower Laspur team by 5-1 in a thrilling match.
