MARDAN: The last day of the Mardan Festival attracted a large number of visitors here on Sunday.

The officials said that the district government had allocated Rs4.2 million to provide entertainment and recreational opportunities to the residents of the district, who have often witnessed terror incidents on their soil.

The festival, held at the Mardan Sports Complex, featured different programmes, including a cultural show, karaty and gymnastic competitions, a magic show, traditional game Mukhama, a poetry session, a Rabab competition, a dog show, a declamation contest, a flower exhibition and food court.

The officials pointed out that that the district administration had asked the hotel owners to set up courts of traditional foods. They said the water supply and sanitation company had been tasked with cleanliness and supplying clean drinking water to the visitors.

The rescue 1122 service had also established stalls for awareness among people on how to provide rescue services in case of an unpleasant situation or incident, they added.

The education department arranged a declamation contest and different games. Foolproof security arrangements were made on the occasion, while police officials kept vigilant eye on activities and programmes inside and outside the festival venue.

As per direction of the district government, the health department had provided ambulances and a team of doctors along with paramedical staff to provide treatment to visitors in case of any emergency.

Imran Abbasi, a resident of Bijligar area, told this correspondent that the district government had organised a wonderful event to provide an opportunity of diversion to the militancy-stricken people.

He demanded that such events should continue to be held in future. Amir Khan, a businessman, said he along with his family really enjoyed the festival. He demanded of the district government to organise such events in future as well.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2017