RECORDER REPORT

PESHAWAR: The three-day annual mega Shandur Polo Festival will be started at the world highest polo ground, Shandur Pass in Chitral from July 29.

Tourism Corporation Khyber Pkahtunkhwa (TCKP) official said the festival will be organised in a befitting manner to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the scenic region and traditional game in large number this year.

He said District Government Chitral, Police, Pak Army and other institutions would extend full support to hold the gala at the world’s highest polo ground peacefully.

He said the concerned departments had been issued directives for taking steps for the renovation of polo ground, water supply, transport, holding meetings with stakeholders and provision of other facilities to the participating teams, fans and tourists.

The official said that the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral teams would participate in the mega annual event.

“This year the festival would be unique as the local artisans and skilled entrepreneurs would get opportunity to showcase their products besides polo game, food stalls, traditional music and dances and adventurous activities in the gala,” he added.

He said rafting in the Shandur Lake, paragliding, archery and kite flying would be other features of the event to attract domestic and foreign tourists in great numbers.

In addition to setting up camping village, stalls would be established to highlight and promote the artworks of the Chitral and Gilgit local artists and skilled people. The game has got international fame, which is being played at the highest polo ground of the world at Shandur Pass in Chitral.

As Chitral is the most peaceful region, it attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists annually, especially during the Shandur and Kalash festivals.

This year, the number of foreign and domestic tourists will be great as compared to the previous years as peace has been restored in the province and the condition of acquiring no objection certificate (NOC) for the international visitors and tourists had already been withdrawn.