PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has replied to a letter from the GB government regarding the joint organization of the annual Shandur festival, sources told ChitralToday.
The KP government has assured the GB government that reservations expressed in its recent letter would be removed and the event would be organized on “co-equals basis.”
Usually Shandur polo festival is organized in the first week of July. This year, however, it is likely to be held before Muharram which is expected to begin on June 27.
In a letter addressed to the KP government available with ChitralToday, the GB tourism department secretary had 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. It also warned of boycotting the event in future.
“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.