PESHAWAR: A high-level meeting chaired by Zahid Chanzeb, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tourism and Culture, took place on Monday to review the preparations for the three-day annual Shandur Polo Festival, which begins on June 28.
The meeting aimed to refine the arrangements to attract more tourists to this spectacular event.
Attending the meeting were Mohammad Bakhtiar Khan, Secretary of Tourism, Barkatullah Marwat, Director General of the Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), and other relevant officials.
The Commissioner of Malakand Division, Deputy Commissioners of Chitral Upper, Lower, and Dir Upper, and the Additional Chief Secretary of Gilgit-Baltistan, among others, participated online.
Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur is set to be the chief guest at the festival, which will feature polo teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan competing at the world’s highest polo ground, situated 12,000 feet above sea level.
The festival is also expected to draw significant interest from the federal government, both provinces, and international tourists.
The meeting addressed various logistical aspects, security measures, and the overall readiness for the festival, leading to key decisions to ensure foolproof arrangements.
Zahid Chanzeb highlighted the KP government’s commitment to boosting tourism and noted that the successful execution of the Shandur Polo Festival would serve as a crucial test for both the tourism sector and provincial administration.
Specific directives were given to ensure all highways leading to the event are clear, and that there is adequate security, high-quality food, and sufficient fuel availability.
Chanzeb emphasised that negligence would not be tolerated and stressed the importance of engaging with local communities, players, and stakeholders to ensure the event’s success.
Additional discussions focused on enhancing visitor experience with adequate potable water, washroom facilities, and sanitation throughout the festival venue.
The officials pledged to work tirelessly to fulfill these expectations, recognizing the festival’s potential to significantly boost the province’s economy and tourism profile.
