SHANGLA: A two-day festival and exhibition at the newly-discovered tourist site Dasht-i-Laila concluded here on Sunday, with nature lovers, social activists and artists terming the spot worth visiting.

Renowned Pashtu singer Bakhtiar Khattak, ecotourism expert Dr Tariq Rauf, social activists, local and non-local tourists were also present.

They said the tourist destination was breathtaking and worth visiting during summer.

Bakhtiar Khattak said he fell in love with the beauty of Dasht-i-Laila. He called for exploring new tourist sites in Shangla. He said Dasht-i-Laila had mesmerising landscapes, springs and forests.

Dr Tariq Rauf said the festival was meant to educate public about ecotourism and attract them to naturally beautiful points in the district. He said when explored the undiscovered places could attract nature lovers in numbers.

Hamas Khan, a student, who displayed his paintings in the exhibition, said the appreciation he got from the visitors for his paintings had given him courage and hope.

Traditional foods were also displayed in the exhibition. The visitors also took part in a cleanliness campaign. A musical night was also organised on the occasion.

In another development, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz activists joined the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in Dehrai area on Sunday.

Minister for labour and culture Shaukat Yousafzai was chief guest at the joining ceremony.

The new entrants to PTI included Amir Rehman, Mashrub Gul, Taj Gul, Hanifullah and Rozi Rehman.

On the occasion, the minister announced Rs5 million for rehabilitation of Dehrai road.

He said the government was working for uplift of all the districts without any discrimination.

Referring to opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement’s rally in Swat, Mr Yousafzai said the PDM leaders had no interest in serving the people.

He insisted the opposition leaders had come to Swat to enjoy cool weather in Malam Jabba.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2021