CHITRAL: The three-day Shaqlashat Festival held in the Torkhow Valley of Upper Chitral under the supervision of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) concluded on Wednesday.

Speaking as chief guest at the concluding ceremony, KPCTA’s head Muhammad Ali Syed said that the Shaqlashat Festival was similar to a mini-Shandur Festival, adding that next year, the festival would be celebrated with great pomp and show with the inclusion of polo as one of the main attractions.

The festival featured various sports competitions and cultural activities to promote tourism in Upper Chitral and attract more visitors to this scenic valley.

In the football final, Al-Shabab FC (Madak) defeated Felly FC (Kosht) through a penalty shootout while in the cricket final, Star Eleven Tirich triumphed over Headquarters Booni to claim the trophy.

In volleyball, Shotkhar volleyball team beat Khot volleyball team to win the final while in the traditional Patik Dekh contest; renowned local figure Ghulam Hussain of Phur Khot emerged victorious.

Al-Shabab FC’s young player Mustansir from Booni was declared the best player of the tournament.

It may be mentioned that this year’s Shaqlashat Festival was held under the supervision of the KPCTA, while several teams are currently heading towards Tirich Mir, and these activities will continue until the end of August. The aim of these initiatives is to lure tourists towards these breathtaking valleys, thereby promoting tourism and creating employment opportunities for the local population.

The closing ceremony concluded with the distribution of prizes among the winner and the runners-up teams. Torkhow-Morkhow tehsil chairman Jamshed Mir also addressed on the occasion.

Shaqlasht, a peaceful and beautiful mountainous site is located at the far end of Khot Valley in Upper Chitral. Every year in July the Shaqlashat Festival is hosted in this fascinating place, where nature and culture come together in perfect harmony. With cool breeze, green meadows, flowing streams, traditional music and dance, the festival truly reflects Chitral’s rich heritage.

Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2025