Governor Kundi inaugurates Shandur Polo festival, announces measures for tourism and development

The annual Shandur Polo Festival was officially inaugurated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, marking the beginning

The annual Shandur Polo Festival was officially inaugurated by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, marking the beginning of one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cultural and sporting events. Held at Shandur Pass, renowned as the world’s highest polo ground, the festival attracts visitors, athletes, and tourists from across the country and abroad. The breathtaking mountain landscape provided a spectacular setting for the opening ceremony.

Governor Kundi was accompanied by Provincial Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan and Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Tourism Adeel Malik. During the event, the governor highlighted the importance of preserving traditional sports and promoting tourism as a means of economic and cultural development in the region.

Addressing participants and visitors, Governor Kundi reaffirmed his commitment to supporting polo players and encouraging sporting activities in the province. He praised the efforts of the tourism department for successfully organizing the festival despite facing resource constraints. According to him, the event demonstrates the dedication of provincial authorities to showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

The governor also revealed plans to broaden the range of traditional sports promoted in the province. He stated that discussions had taken place with tourism officials regarding the promotion of Buzkashi, a historic Central Asian sport that enjoys popularity in several neighboring countries. He expressed confidence that introducing and supporting such cultural activities would help strengthen regional ties and attract greater public interest.

Focusing on tourism development, Governor Kundi announced several initiatives aimed at making Chitral a more accessible destination for visitors. One of the most significant announcements was the upcoming inauguration of an airport in the district, which is expected to improve connectivity and facilitate travel for tourists. He emphasized that enhanced transportation infrastructure would play a key role in boosting tourism and stimulating local economic growth.

In addition, the governor said that discussions would be held with the National Highway Authority (NHA) regarding the restoration and improvement of roads leading to Chitral and surrounding areas. Recommendations would also be submitted to the provincial government to address infrastructure challenges and ensure safer and more convenient travel for residents and tourists alike.

Apart from tourism-related matters, Governor Kundi addressed the issue of wheat supply in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He expressed appreciation to the Prime Minister for directing the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to provide wheat to the province. According to the governor, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa requires approximately 3.6 million metric tonnes of wheat annually, while the federal government has approved the supply of 0.2 million metric tonnes through PASSCO.

However, he voiced concern over restrictions affecting the transportation of additional wheat from Punjab. He noted that wheat deliveries remain stalled at several checkpoints located along the provincial border, creating difficulties in meeting local demand. Governor Kundi stressed that under the Constitution and the recently introduced wheat policy, the free movement of wheat and flour between provinces is a legal right. He urged both the Prime Minister and the Punjab government to address the issue promptly.

The governor also emphasized the need for an uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour to ensure food security and protect citizens’ access to affordable commodities. On the energy front, he announced that the longstanding CNG-related issues in the province had been resolved. He further pledged to continue working on other public concerns while striving to promote peace, stability, and development throughout Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.