BAHAWALPUR: A two-day cultural festival kicked off at Vehari on Tuesday under the auspices of the district administration.

The inaugural function of the festival attracted a large number of people, including women and children.

The festival featured horse and camel dance, besides Punjabi and folk song performances by local singers, which were enjoyed by the audience.

The girl students of the Special Education School, Vehari, staged a Bhangra performance.

On the occasion, a Sufi poetry session and fireworks display was also held.

Stalls highlighting Punjab’s culture were also part of the event, demonstrating making of popular desi drink Lassi, functioning of hand-operated Chakki (grinding mill) and Charkha (making of thread from cotton).

A book fair was also held as part of the festival that was inaugurated by Multan Commissioner Maryam Khan, along with Vehari Deputy Commissioner Imrana Tauqeer.

According to an official handout, the commissioner said the administration would continue to hold such events in different cities aimed at providing entertainment to the people.

PROTEST: The students of Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) staged a protest demonstration to condemn the alleged incident of rape of a private college student.

The protesting students gathered at the main gate of IUB’s old Abbasia Campus raising slogans against the government and demanding strict action against the alleged rapist.

Meanwhile, the International White Cane Safety Day was observed here on Tuesday at the Government Secondary School for the Blind, Bahawalpur, in collaboration with the Pakistan Association of the Blind.

In this connection, a function was held at the Rashadia Hall, where Deputy Commissioner Dr Farhan Farooque was the chief guest.

The event was also attended by the Pakistan Blind Council Director Salman Tariq Bokhari and others, who in their speeches urged the member of society to come forward for the help of the visually-challenged persons.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2024