Three-day Shandur Polo Festival from June 20

By Bureau report
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June 02, 2025
Representational image of a polo match in progress during the Shandur Polo Festival 2023. — The News/Daniyal Aziz/File

PESHAWAR: Advisor to Chief Minister on Tourism and Culture Zahid Chanzeb on Sunday said that the famous Shandur Polo Festival would be held from June 20 to 22.

Issuing directives to the relevant authorities for finalising arrangements for the event at a meeting, he said that Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had set the date for the spectacular three-day festival, featuring polo matches and cultural activities from June 20-22.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) Director General Habibullah Arif, Event Manager Muhammad Ali Syed and other officials also attended the meeting.Zahid Chanzeb said that special teams had been constituted to finalise all arrangements for the festival. In line with the chief minister’s directives, he said that all possible facilities would be provided to tourists and local people attending the festival.

He also stressed the need for launching a promotional campaign to raise awareness among both domestic and international tourists about the event. Expressing his views on the festival, the advisor said that the Shandur Polo Festival was a reflection of the vibrant culture and traditions of the region.

Teams from Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral would compete with teams from Gilgit-Baltistan, presenting a spectacular display of sportsmanship and brotherhood.On this occasion, KPCTA DG reaffirmed his commitment to make best possible arrangements in collaboration with the KP Police, Chitral Scouts, Pak Army, district administrations of Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral.

The Shandur Polo Festival, renowned for being held at the world’s highest polo ground, attracts thousands of tourists every year, and an increase in the number of visitors is expected this year. The provincial government is determined to further promote the festival and boost tourism in the province