KP’s ‘unilateral decision’ to postpone Shandur Festival stirs controversy

Gilgit: The “abrupt and unilateral decision” by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to postpone the Shandur Polo Festival at the 11th hour has stirred significant controversy and disappointment among the stakeholders involved.

A notification issued by the KP Secretary for Culture, Tourism, and Archaeology Department stated, “It is sincerely regretted to inform the general public that the Shandur Polo Festival, scheduled from June 28th to June 30th, 2024, is hereby postponed, due to inclement weather conditions, till further orders in the best public interest.”

This announcement has sparked a wave of concern and unrest, particularly among the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a large number of spectators and polo teams had already reached Shandur and were preparing for the event. Sources have claimed that the postponement may be the result of the security situation that arose after the federal government announced the launch of a new multi-faceted nationwide counterterrorism campaign, Operation Azm-i-Istehkam.

The Shandur area, known as the “Roof of the World,” sits approximately 12,500 feet above sea level at the convergence of the Hindukush, Pamir, and Karakoram ranges. It remains a disputed territory between GB and KP, with both governments claiming it as part of their territory.

The area remains uninhabited for most of the year due to heavy snowfall in winter. In 2012, GB had recalled its polo team to protest KP’s control over the area and accused the provincial government of monopolizing the event. However, in later years, the two governments decided to jointly organize the festival.

The Shandur Polo Festival, renowned for its freestyle mountain polo game, attracts a large number of spectators and participants who eagerly look forward to the event each year. The sudden postponement has therefore caused widespread disappointment and frustration.

In response to the postponement, Habib Ur Rehman, Deputy Commissioner of Ghizer, expressed his extreme disappointment and concern over the unilateral decision. In a letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Upper Chitral, he emphasized that the Shandur Polo Event is a collaborative effort between the districts of Ghizer and Upper Chitral and the respective provincial governments. The event is not only a cornerstone of the region’s cultural heritage but also a symbol of friendship and cooperation between the districts.

“It is astonishing that the tourism department KP has taken this decision without consultation, despite the fact that Shandur is a historic area of Gilgit-Baltistan. It is customary for such decisions to be made through mutual consultation and joint signatures,” reads the letter.

Rehman said that the G-B government and Ghizer district administration had invested significant resources and efforts in preparing for the Shandur event at Shandur, and the postponement of this event would not only lead to a waste of resources but also cause inconvenience to the thousands of enthusiasts, spectators and participants who were eagerly looking forward to the event.

“The unilateral decision of the KP Tourism department has created unrest and disappointment in the minds of our thousands of enthusiastic spectators and participants and I want to record my protest on behalf of the people of Ghizer District,” reads the letter.
Reman hoped they could work together to find a solution that honours our mutual commitment to their districts’ cultural heritage and friendship.

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G-B Minister for Tourism Ghulam Muhammad seconded the DC’s concerns, stating that the unilateral decision was disappointing and that KP should have consulted them even if the postponement was imperative due to unfavourable weather conditions. He noted that things were progressing smoothly between the two governments, and arrangements were made in collaboration.

However, the last-minute postponement was shocking. He emphasized the need to resolve the boundary dispute between KP and GB at the Basha area in Diamer and Shandur in Ghizer. The minister added that the government would formulate a reaction after consultation in a few days.