Islamabad, July 15, 2026: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved a Rs2 billion project for the development and maintenance of 12 polo grounds in Upper and Lower Chitral, including the Shandur Polo Ground, to promote tourism and preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
According to an official document, the project aims to strengthen polo as one of Chitral’s most significant cultural traditions while boosting sports tourism and creating income opportunities for local communities.
The annual Shandur Polo Festival generates millions of rupees for local communities through transport, accommodation, food services, temporary stalls and other tourism-related businesses.
The document notes that Chitral’s traditional polo differs from club polo as it is faster, more physical and deeply rooted in local culture and community festivals.
Besides the Shandur Polo Festival, the province plans to promote other cultural and tourism events, including the Pre-Shandur Polo Tournament, Qaqhlasht Festival, Broghil Festival, Khot Festival, Chilim Joshi Festival, Uchal Summer Festival and Choimus Winter Festival.
The polo grounds project is the largest tourism-related scheme proposed for Chitral.
Other initiatives include the establishment of a tourist facilitation and rest area at Booni, development of picnic spots at Garam Chashma and Sorlaspur, and camping pod villages at Bumburait, Sorlaspur and Yarkhun Lasht to improve visitor facilities.
The document also outlines road infrastructure projects, including the construction of a 17.1-kilometre road at an estimated cost of Rs1.783 bn. The Ayun-Bumburait and Zainey Pass roads have been recommended for inclusion in future Annual Development Programme (ADP) schemes.
In addition, the provincial government has launched a Rs300 million “Mezban” (Host) Tourism Programme in Upper and Lower Chitral, Upper Dir, Lower Dir and Mansehra to support home-stay facilities through interest-free loans ranging from Rs1 million to Rs3 million.–APP
