CHITRALTODAY FILE
ISLAMABAD: The Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) government has warned that it may boycott the upcoming Shandur Polo Festival 2025 if the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) administration organized it without taking GB onboard, asserting that the venue lies in a disputed territory claimed by both regions.
In a formal letter addressed to the KP government available with ChitralToday, the GB tourism department secretary expressed concern over what it called KP’s unilateral control of the annual cultural event. The letter emphasized the need for equal partnership to avoid administrative complications and to promote mutual respect.
“The Shandur area is a disputed territory between KP and GB, with both governments claiming ownership. The matter is currently under review by the provincial boundary commission,” the GB secretary for tourism stated.
The letter noted that despite the territorial dispute, the GB government had continued to participate in the festival in the spirit of cultural harmony. However, it stressed that future editions must be jointly planned and executed.
The GB authorities also criticized the KP government for excluding GB from key planning meetings for the event.
“In recent meetings convened by the KP government, GB representatives, including the Deputy Commissioner of Ghizer and myself, conveyed concerns that the event is often dominated by KP while GB is treated merely as a guest,” the tourism secretary wrote.
Further, the letter pointed out that KP’s unilateral cancellation of the festival last year had led to financial losses for GB in terms of prior mobilization and logistical preparations.
To ensure better coordination, the GB government proposed forming a joint committee including representatives from both governments, the Force Commander Northern Areas (FCNA), Northern Light Infantry, and GB Scouts.
The letter concluded with a warning: “If a joint framework is not established, GB may be compelled to withdraw from future participation to safeguard its regional interests.”
Held every summer at the world’s highest polo ground in Upper Chitral, the Shandur Polo Festival draws thousands of tourists and features traditional freestyle matches between teams from GB and KP, making it a highlight of the region’s cultural calendar.
It may be mentioned here that the people of Chitral have always rejected the GB claim over Shandur and said the area had been a pasture of Laspur residents even centuries before it was used as a venue for polo matches.