Important Meeting Regarding Preparations for Shandur Festival 2026 held
Chitral Times Report
UPPER CHITRAL: An important meeting regarding the preparations for Shandur Festival 2026 was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral, Mr. Muhammad Imran Khan.
The meeting was attended by the District Police Officer Upper Chitral, Wing Commander 144 Wing Mastuj, Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioner Mastuj, Additional Assistant Commissioners, heads of various line departments, and representatives of the National Highway Authority (NHA).
Detailed discussions were held on organizing the festival in a grand and well-managed manner, and various responsibilities were assigned to the relevant departments.
The National Highway Authority (NHA) was directed to immediately commence road repair, debris clearance, leveling, and asphalt work on the Shandur Road. It was further directed that if work does not begin within seven days, strict action will be taken against the responsible officials and contractor, including registration of an FIR.
The Tehsil Municipal Officers of Mastuj and Morkhow/Torkhow were instructed to install a maximum number of dustbins at Shandur, keep fire brigades on standby, and share their waste management plan with the district administration.
The District Health Officer (DHO) Upper Chitral will ensure the availability of life-saving medicines, specialist doctors, particularly orthopedic specialists.
The Public Health Engineering Department will ensure an uninterrupted supply of clean drinking water to all camps and blocks at Shandur.
All line departments will place their available official vehicles at the disposal of the district administration during the festival.
All departments will display awareness and information banners at key locations from Shachar to Shandur.
The Livestock Department will establish a veterinary camp and ensure the availability of necessary medicines.
The Civil Defence Department will deploy local volunteers and assign them various responsibilities.
Rescue 1122, in coordination with the Health Department, will provide first-aid and emergency services, while recovery vehicles will be stationed at appropriate locations.
The Levies Force will perform security duties and assist with tent installations, prize distribution arrangements, and other support activities.
The Local Government Department will be responsible for seating arrangements and the provision of civic facilities at Shandur.
The Upper Chitral Polo Association will constitute the jury committee and arrange goal judges and ball throwers for the polo matches.
Additional Deputy Commissioners and the Assistant Commissioner Headquarters Upper Chitral will regularly visit Shandur to review preparations and report progress to the district administration. The Assistant Commissioner Headquarters will also ensure the issuance of NOCs to business operators.
Additional Assistant Commissioners will ensure the adequate availability of petroleum products (POL) at fuel stations.
The District Education Officers (Male & Female) will place government schools located from Green Lasht to Sor Laspur at the disposal of the district administration, if required, to accommodate tourists and guests. Contact details of headmasters, headmistresses, and watchmen will also be provided.
Tourist Facilitation Centers will be established at Shachar Check Post, Booni Bridge, Mastuj Bridge, Additional Assistant Commissioner Office Mastuj, and Levies Check Post Sor Laspur. Police personnel will be deployed at these centers, while the Additional Deputy Commissioner Finance & Planning will serve as the focal person.
The District Sports Officer will install national flags around the polo ground and ensure the availability of red and white flags required for polo matches.
The Assistant Resident Engineer PEDO will ensure an uninterrupted power supply throughout the festival.
All participants attending the festival will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation, food, and other living requirements.
Passes will be issued to all government officials and personnel assigned duties during the festival.
Entry of unauthorized persons into the District Administration Camp will be prohibited, and no tents will be allowed around the camp to avoid any disruption to the movement and security of senior officials.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner Upper Chitral directed all concerned departments to ensure close coordination, timely actions, and effective communication for the successful organization of Shandur Festival 2026, so that both domestic and international tourists can be provided with the best possible facilities.
