The festival comprises three teams each from Chitral and Gilgat. —File photo

PESHAWAR The annual Shandur Polo Festival will be held from 7-9 July in Chitral, announced the NWFP Minister for Population Welfare Saleem Khan.

Authorities were concerned that the festival may get sidelined this year due to the deteriorating security condition in the region but the provincial minister has reassured top security arrangements are in place.

The minister also said that Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and NWFP Chief Minister Haider Khan Hoti will be present during the final on July 9.

The traditional festival is held at the Shandur polo ground — the highest polo ground in the world and is attended by several tourists.

The festival comprises three teams each from Chitral and Gilgat Chitral A, Chitral, B, Chitral C, Gilgit A, Gilgit B and Gilgit C. The matches are played between the A, B and C teams of each area with the A teams meeting on the final day.

Opinion

Editorial

Holding the line
16 Mar, 2026

Holding the line

PAKISTAN’S long battle against polio has recently produced encouraging signs. Data from the national eradication...
Power self-reliance
Updated 16 Mar, 2026

Power self-reliance

PAKISTAN’S transition to domestic sources of electricity is a welcome development for a country that has long been...
Looking for safety
16 Mar, 2026

Looking for safety

AS the Middle East conflict enters its third week, the war’s most enduring victims are not those who wage it....
Battling hate
Updated 15 Mar, 2026

Battling hate

In the current scenario, geopolitical conflict, racial prejudice and religious bigotry all contribute to the threats Muslims face.
TB drugs shortage
15 Mar, 2026

TB drugs shortage

‘CRIMINAL negligence’ is the phrase that jumps to mind when one considers the disturbing consequences of the...
Chinese diplomacy
Updated 14 Mar, 2026

Chinese diplomacy

THERE are signs that China is taking a more active role in trying to resolve the issue of cross-border terrorism...