PESHAWAR: The annual Shandur Polo Festival will be held from 7-9 July in Chitral, announced the NWFP Minister for Population Welfare Saleem Khan.

Authorities were concerned that the festival may get sidelined this year due to the deteriorating security condition in the region but the provincial minister has reassured top security arrangements are in place.

The minister also said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and NWFP Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti will be present during the final on July 9.

The traditional festival is held at the Shandur polo ground — the highest polo ground in the world and is attended by several tourists.

The festival comprises three teams each from Chitral and Gilgat: Chitral A, Chitral, B, Chitral C, Gilgit A, Gilgit B and Gilgit C. The matches are played between the A, B and C teams of each area with the A teams meeting on the final day.