Staff Report
Peshawar: July 7, 2025 (Press Release) Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has invited and honored the winning team of the Shandur Polo Festival for the first time. The Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has also issued instructions to use his helicopter for rescue. The provincial government has been organizing the Shandur Polo Festival for the past several decades. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will take steps for the welfare of the players. These views were expressed by Director General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority Habibullah Arif while addressing a felicitation ceremony for the winning polo team players from Chitral at the conference room of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority. On this occasion, General Manager Tourism Muhammad Ali Syed, Manager Chitral Polo Team Major Walid, while other players Izhar Ali, Amir Hamza, Arbab Quli Khan, Nasirullah Khan, Israr Wali Khan and Ahmed were present. DG Tourism Authority Habibullah Arif said that the provincial government will support the welfare of the players. Inviting the players here today is also a link to this. That is why everyone has gathered here today for the welfare of the players. Keeping in mind our financial condition, we will take such steps that can bring about the improvement of the players. The Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has invited these players here for the first time to honor them. Our effort is that the provincial government will make every effort to support as many players as possible because they not only raise horses with their hard work but also work hard for this event throughout the year. Polo team manager Major Waleed said that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the Tourism Authority have provided a lot of support. This is not just a match at Shandur Top, but behind it is the hard work of the players, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Tourism Authority, Pakistan Army, district administration and other institutions, thanks to which such a big festival is organized. He said that water supply is necessary in the ground for a polo match. We demand from the government that if a new ground cannot be built, then the existing ground should be renovated and made playable. Players sacrifice their lives for this festival and participate in the Shandur Mela, so the government should ensure that the players are provided with financial support as well as grounds and other facilities so that they can perform better.
