CHITRAL: The colourful Kagh Lasht Festival concluded with much fanfare in the scenic valley of Upper Chitral district on Friday.

The event, organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, under the chief minister’s public agenda, showcased thrilling sports, traditional games, including polo, football, cricket, volleyball and cultural activities at the scenic tourist destination.

The weeklong festival featuring various sports events concluded but the final match of polo, the “king of games and the game of kings,” is expected to take place in the coming days.

The finals of football, cricket, volleyball, and various traditional games were successfully held.

Upper Chitral deputy commissioner Haseebur Rehman Khan Khalil was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony, while heads of line departments and various political and social figures, elected public representatives, local and international tourists, and thousands of enthusiastic spectators also attended the event.

In an exciting and intense match of football, Jughoor club defeated Tiger club to clinch the trophy.

DC Khalil praised the successful organisation of the festival, expressing gratitude to the festival committee members, department heads, local police, Upper Chitral Levies personnel, media representatives, and the municipal administrations of Morkho/Torkho and Mastuj, as well as the health department and Rescue 1122.

He said that the provincial government was committed to promoting sports, which served as an effective weapon against drug abuse and a means to combat various diseases.

He emphasised that the district administration was striving to promote sports for the mental and physical development of youth.

Mr Rehman said that Kagh Lasht was a beautiful tourist destination in Upper Chitral, attracting both domestic and international tourists.

“This not only boosts the local ecosystem but also expands business opportunities for the people of the region,” he added.

At the conclusion of the festival, the chief guest and other dignitaries distributed prizes and trophies among the winning teams of various events.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2025