THIS is with reference to the report ‘Shandur polo festival postponed’ (June 25) and subsequent reaction from the local people of Chitral and the adminis- tration of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to the decision that was taken by the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Chitral, which is well-known globally for its rich traditions, unique culture, peace, harmony and warm hospitality, hosts the annual event that is played at the highest polo ground anywhere in the world.

The inhabitants of Chitral and Gilgit come in huge numbers every year to cheer and support their teams. They make these days worth remembering at a time when social alienation and time scarcity prevail everywhere. This festival serves as a binding force that has knit the people of Chitral and GB for decades, and promotes fraternal bonding between them.

However, there is a problem that haunts the locals emotionally, instils in them a sense of inferiority, and shows them where they stand in the larger scheme of things. This problem relates to the unambiguous disparity shown in the treatment of local spectators compared to the so-called VIPs.

To begin with, the local spectators, who put aside their social, family and academic commitments and take time out of their busy schedules to celebrate the event, are subjected to uncomfortable and harsh conditions. To watch the match, they are left with no choice, but to sit on a dusty ground under the scorching June sun. The womenfolk, who rarely find time from their family commitments to go out and refresh themselves, have to sit on rocks and stones far away from the ground; so far away that it is hard to have even a proper glimpse of the polo ground.

Moreover, no proper facility of drinking water and washrooms is provided to the local women, and if they feel thirsty, they have to walk for 10-15 minutes to reach some natural stream to quench their thirst. Last but not least, the local community is not allowed to install tents near the polo ground because the entire surrounding area is reserved for the so-called visiting VIPs.

On the other hand, in one corner of the ground, VIP seats are reserved for ‘certain figures’, their families, children and even relatives, who enjoy the cool shade, chilled and filtered water, comfortable seats, and all the luxuries that the local spectators in the other corner of the ground can only dream of.

There is every reason to provide all the facilities to the VIPs who visit Chitral occasionally because, being guests to the area, they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. But at the same time, the local community must not be treated as an inferior entity. At least there should be proper seats to enjoy a good game of polo. If not chairs, at least cemented places, similar to those found in other polo grounds, should be built for them.

Finally, comfortable and accessible washrooms for the local women community should be arranged so that they, too, may comfortably enjoy the serenity of the festival to the fullest. That is their legal and reasonable right. Let better sense prevail.

Kaleem Ahmad
Chitral

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2024