PESHAWAR: The Shandur polo festival will be held from June 11 to 13, as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government finalises arrangements for one of the country’s most iconic cultural and sporting events.

Announcing the schedule, Suraiya Bibi, accompanied by the secretary tourism, Saadat Hassan, said the festival would take place at the historic Shandur Pass, home to the world’s highest polo ground at an altitude of approximately 12,200 feet.

She said traditional freestyle polo matches between teams from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan would remain the centerpiece of the festival, attracting both domestic and international tourists.

She noted that the festival would also feature a range of cultural and recreational activities including paragliding, tableaux and performances by regional bands from Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan and cultural nights showcasing local heritage.

The deputy speaker added that preparations for the successful conduct of the festival were being finalised with all relevant departments working in coordination to ensure a vibrant and well-organised event.

Published in Dawn, April 24th, 2026