KOHAT/LAKKI MARWAT: A three-day spring festival began in Shakardarra area of Kohat on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, assistant commissioner Abdur Rehman said holding of such events was necessary to remove the affects of terrorism which had badly affected the Pashtun region.

District councillor Jasim Sadaat Khan said terrorism had affected the cultural traditions and norms in the region. He said competitions like cricket, bull race, children race, javelin throw, kabaddi would be held in the festival and winning teams would be given trophies and cash awards.

Meanwhile, inter-district football tournament ended at the Kohat Sports Complex on Tuesday. Final match was held between Hangu union and Merozi Malang teams which was won by the former.

Regional sports officer, Syed Sikandar Shah, gave away prizes and a motorcycle to the winning team.

Meanwhile, the Lakki Marwat district administration has finalised arrangements for spring festival commencing from April 5. Bannu Division Commissioner Adil Sadiq will inaugurate the festival at a colourful function in Serai Gambila town.

The sports and other departments of the district government will arrange different sports and amusement activities in the festival which will conclude on April 10.

Thousands of people from Lakki and neighbouring districts are likely to participate in the inaugural event to watch tent pegging and tug-of-war competitions and horse dance.

Local clubs will also exhibit their gymnastic and karate skills in the opening ceremony.

The organising committee headed by district naib nazim Haji Arab Khan has also arranged other healthy activities, including football, cricket, badminton, archery, kabaddi tournaments in the spring festival.

Deputy commissioner Jehangir Azam Wazir told mediapersons that the spring festival would provide recreational facilities and funfair to area people, especially youths.

He said besides promoting sports and games in the backward district, the festival would also provide players affiliated with local sports clubs with an opportunity to exhibit their skills.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2019