QUETTA: People from across Balochistan took part in the historic Sibi mela on Friday. The event which began on Thursday amid tight security will continue till March 5. Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri is expected to attend its concluding ceremony.

After inaugurating the festival on Thursday, provincial Minister for Agriculture and Finance Sardar Aslam Bizenjo said that the historic mela was not only reflective of the region’s culture and economic activities, but was also a great platform to bring the people of Balochistan together.

He said activities in the field of agriculture, livestock and other fields boosted the economy of the province. “The historic Sibi mela, besides being the largest gathering in Balochistan, is also the second largest festival in the country,” he added.

‘Second largest festival in the country’ will continue till Sunday

Mr Bizenjo congratulated the provincial government and the district administration for organising the event at a time when the country was in the grip of terrorism.

The festival, he said, provided an economically beneficial opportunity to farmers coming from different areas of the province.

Highlight the significance of the Sibi mela, Commissioner of Sibi Division Saeed Ahmed Jamali said the people of Balochistan took great interest in the event.

Published in Dawn, March 4th, 2017