LAHORE: Fortress Stadium and Jilani Park witnessed a series of events on the second day of the National Horse and Cattle Show, attracting a good number of people from Lahore and adjoining districts.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah was the chief guest on the day. An industrial exhibition, children playing, palmistry and painting among many others were the core segments at Jilani Park. The venue was almost brimming with people, a majority of whom were women and children. Children enjoyed swings and bought toys, while women shopped at various stalls selling cloth, jewellery, crockery and embroidered and readymade garments. A considerable number of women were also witnessed visiting palmists.

Talking to Dawn, palmist Mumtaz Hussain said a majority of people visiting him were interested in knowing about fates of their ‘love marriages’, wealth and foreign travel. He said Rs500 was not a high fee, as he had already reduced it for the exhibition.

Many students competed in a painting contest on the theme of the Peshawar tragedy.

“We are trying to show sacrifices and bravery of innocent children who offered their lives during the attack,” Saima, a contestant, told Dawn.

The show was organised by the Parks and Horticulture Authority whose spokesman told Dawn 245 students of the Government College University, Lahore College for Women University, Kinnaird College University and Naqsh School of Arts participated in the painting competition. He said certificates and prizes were also distributed among winners.

A majority of stall owners had come from Muridke, Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Kasur, Nankana Sahib and other towns, selling jewellery, traditional chappals etc.

Children presented various items such as a unity tableau, flag formation and received huge appreciation from the audience. Cavalcade, tent pegging, horse riding and dance, dog race and PT show were also among major activities. Military police presented motorcycle stunts, which were appreciated by the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, Qaim Ali Shah said demonstration of culture and traditions of all provinces at the Horse and Cattle Show were not only impressive but also reflected a symbol of national unity and harmony. He said holding of such events promoted sentiments of love and brotherhood. He thanked the Punjab chief minister for inviting him.

“I appreciate Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif for reviving National Horse and Cattle Show after 11 years,” he added. He said the items presented by Rangers were highly impressive.

Shahbaz Sharif said all units of the country were heading towards harmony and unity to solve the problems of masses.

“I welcome the Sindh chief minister. I believe it will increase inter-provincial coordination and harmony,” he added.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashhood presented a souvenir of the National Horse and Cattle Show to the Sindh chief minister.

District Coordination Officer retired Captain Muhammad Usman announced free entry of the public to the four VIP enclosures at Fortress Stadium on Saturday (today) and Sunday.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2015

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