LAHORE: The concluding day of the National Horse and Cattle Show attracted an unprecedented rush of spectators who thronged the venue – Fortress Stadium – to witness a series of colourful activities carried out in two sessions.

There were long queues of vehicles (starting from Upper Mall scheme) to reach the designated parking lots near the venue.

“As I also attended the show’s Day-1 proceedings, I am going again to witness the last day’s activities. It is really a wonderful event especially for families,” Majid, a motorist, said while talking to Dawn at Zafar Ali Road intersection, near Gymkhana Club.

The day’s first half started with the recitation of the verses from the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem, performance of army band, unity folk dances, march past of provincial players, cavalcade of livestock, tent pegging, horse and camel dance, horse jumping show, parades, motorcycle trick riding by military police, greyhound race, free fall of paratroopers etc.

The second half featured other colourful activities including night tent pegging, army canine show, horse and camel dance, gymnastic show, shama parades, peace show, fireworks and laser show.

“The stadium was jam-packed with the spectators - around 20,000 in numbers during first half and later increased to 25,000 in second half,” claimed Local Government and Community Development Department Director General Ms Kausar Khan while talking to Dawn.

She said National Security Adviser Moeed Yousaf, Federal Minister Shafqat Mehmood and Punjab Minister Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed were among a number of notables present there.

It merits mentioning that the first national horse and cattle show had been organised in Lahore in 1952. For the show-2022, the Punjab government had allocated Rs677 million. Since the show could not be held for the last six years, the plan for its revival was finalised by former LG&CD secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, last year.

The show is one of the initiatives of the Punjab government, aimed at promoting agriculture, livestock, sports, industries, handicrafts and culture, etc.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2022