Margalla Festival gets underway

Islamabad
The three-day Margalla Festival began here on Thursday has gathered renowned folk artistes from four provinces.
Federal Secretary CAAD, Khalid Hanif inaugurated the Annual Margalla Festival — 2015, being organised by Capital Development Authority (CDA) at Arts and Craft Village. On this occasion Secretary CAAD said that being civic agency it is responsibility of CDA to provide better opportunities of recreational facilities to residents of the federal capital. He said that such activities would not only helpful in flourishing and revival of traditions but would also helpful in promoting soft image of the country.
He said that being federal capital of the country, Islamabad is symbol of unity for all federation units and participation of artists from all parts of the country would provide a opportunity to the residents to observe the national heritage and culture.
While appreciating the tremendous efforts of CDA for organising Margalla Festival - 2015, he said that such activities would not only provide recreational opportunity but would also help promote rich culture and heritage of Pakistan.
CAAD secretary was apprised that during the four-day festival artistes from all four provinces including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will perform and will amuse the residents of federal capital. He was further informed that during the Festival Horse dance is also being arranged on daily basis. Renowned folk artistes from Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhawa performed during the first day of the Festival.
Meanwhile, employees of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will proceed for Haj this year on the expense of the authority including two female staffers. The computer balloting was carried out amongst CDA employees here at the CDA Headquarters on Friday. The Haj balloting ceremony was also attended by CDA Chairman Maroof Afzal, Board Members of the authority, Chaudhry Muhammad Yasin, General Secretary, CDA Mazdoor Union (CBA) and office-bearers of CDA Employees Union.
CDA chairman Maroof Afazal punched the computer key for initiating Haj Balloting. He congratulated the employees declared successful in the draw and requested those selected for the Haj to pray for the prosperity and development of Pakistan as well as the CDA.
The employees who will be proceeding for Haj are all low paid staff including helpers, operators, ‘beldars’, Ordinary Grade Malis, Naib Tehsildar, Junior Assistants, Electricians, Frash, Foreman, Malis, Security Guards, Work Supervisor, LDC, Forester, Fireman, Forest Guard, drivers, Projectionist, Khakrob, A.C supervisor, Fire Control Supervisor, Patwari, Sub Engineer and two female staff including Aya of CDA Model School and sub Assistant of Sports and Culture directorate of the authority.