Orakzai Zalmo Mela held at Kalaya

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) organised the “Orakzai Zalmo Mela” in Orakzai in collaboration with the district administration.

The KPCTA tourism wing for merged areas, Pakistan Army, in collaboration with the district sports department arranged the festival at the Kalaya Sports Complex in Orakzai tribal district.

Commandant Orakzai Scouts Col Saadat Hussain was the chief guest and Wing Commander L Col Tariq Khattak, District Police Officer (DPO) Salahuddin, Assistant Commissioner Lower Orakzai Hamza Abbas, Captain Rana Zeeshan, District Sports Officer Muhammad Hussain and Tehsil Chairman Maulana Tariq were also present.

Commandant Orakzai Scouts Col Saadat Hussain said that the event would help explore the hidden talent of youth and prepare them for international events.

He said that it would help build the capabilities of youngsters and provide them with opportunities to compete at international level.

He said that the festival was aimed at promoting tourism as an industry in Orakzai district and inviting tourists to explore its beauty while experiencing the local traditions and culture. He said that the festival was aimed at bringing the youth to playgrounds to take part in healthy activities.

A large number of elders and youth, including students from different schools, attended the

event and enjoyed the festival.

Seven stalls were set up in the festival to highlight the rich traditions of the area in addition to pavilions showcasing local cuisines and items representing the traditions of the merged districts.

Various events, including cricket, kabaddi, volleyball, stone-lifting, truck-pulling, tug-of-war, wrestling, archery, slingshot and athletics were held during the festival.

Prizes were distributed among the winners of various games.

It is worth mentioning that KPCTA has organized different events in collaboration with the Pakistan Army and locals to promote tourism and project a positive image of the area worldwide.

These events will help attract tourists to the area and create economic opportunities for the locals.