Student drowned in Chitral River.
CHITRAL: A student of 8th class Yasir drowned in Chitral river and died on the spot hence his dead body could not recovered until filling of this report. Authentic source told this scribe that the student having some domestic problems and quarreled with his father and jumped in River to suicide hence police denied the suicide case. Local police said that although no body have lodged FIR in this case but they have listened about the incidence that a student of 8th class was fishing in river and slipped into river as a result he was erupted by merciless waves of the river and died on the spot. his dead body could not recovered from the river until filling of this repot.
Annual Qaghlasht festival can causing for promoting eco tourism, attracted thousands of spectators for earning fund in million.
CHITRAL: Annual festival of Qaghlasht is celebrating here for 3 days at a vast ground of Qaghlasht situated on a height of 6000 feet from sea level. This ground is fully covered by green grass and presenting an attractive and eye catching look during the festival a large number of spectators approach Qaghlsht. The ground having green seasonal grass and covered by snow bound mountains from four sides and there is very pleasant weather and friendly climate.
A foreign tourist Terry Caster from Australia told this scribe that this is my 6th time to visit Qaghlasht festival at Chitral along with my wife and this is very peaceful area me like it and I have no problem here. He said that I suggest the other tourists to must come here and enjoy this natural beauty and these colorful programs in a very peaceful environment without need any security. During the festival artists enthralling the spectators with traditional musical ornaments like Tumble (an old Drum holding in hands and also beating and ringing with hands.) They also sing old and traditional songs while the youth perform traditional and folk dance and the audience clapping them with a uniform and traditional way to encourage and appreciate the artists.
The ground of Qaghlast surrounding by snow covered peaks of mountains and consisting (spreading) on thousands of Acres land with green fisheries and grass. There is a tent village in the ground and people have gathered here from far flung areas of Chitral while Booni city is visible below the Qaghlasht ground being situating on a height. During the festivals Young boys and small children are collecting plastic and other garbage daily from the ground on volunteer basis to keep the ground clean while Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk Tehsil Nazim and Chairman Qaghlasht organizing committee leading the cleanliness drive. There is an unique game where a football is kicking and trying to pass it inside a standing wheel (tire) if it passed inside the wheel of a jeep the player is considering winner other wise failed.
A couple from Switzerland told this scribe that they are enjoying here because it is a very peaceful area but some foreign media blackmailing and defaming Pakistan for terrorism but there is nothing in Chitral she said that I like Pakistan and like Chitral and Chitrali people for its peaceful environment and invites other tourists to must come here and enjoy the life in this natural beauty and eye catching place.
Different matches are playing here like Volley ball, football, cricket, Polo, Tug of War, Race competition, local hockey, shooting etc. Local people also set temporary hotels and venders selling edible things openly while some people also enjoying from eating natural ice (snow). Competitions of Musical Chair among the special people also contesting. After concluding their match a musical concert and cultural show also arranging where special people performe folk dance. 2 players of them have also visited China and some other countries. It is worth to mention here that folk and traditional music is exercising continually day and night during the 3 days festival to enthrall the viewers.
Farsan Ghal ( a local hockey) where they kicking ball like hockey with a bat using in polo match. The most attractive and interesting match is shooting competition with antique and unique (centuries old weapons) where dynamic (explosive) putting from barrel side in the gun and open fire with putting burning piece of a cloth by touching the burning piece with explosive stocking part as a result the fine open and shoot its target. This is very rare and most interesting game which is specially playing during Qaghlasht festival. Mostly the spectators both domestic and foreign tourists approach Qaghlasht ground to watch shooting competition with traditional and antique weapons.
A simple but prompt function was also arrangin on the final day of the festival where chief guest giving trophy, cups and awards to players. Shahzada Sikandarul Mulk Chairman of organizing committee while talking to this scribe said that the festival was sponsored by Sarhad Tourism Corporation this year as well as Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Chitral Association for Mountain Areas Tourism, Hashoo Foundation, Jafakash Aurat, district administration and other stake holders also provided technical support whose efforts and contribution success this festival. He specially thanked Associated Press of Pakistan for covering the festival and preparing documentary on first time of Qaghlasht festival 2009.
Qaghlasht festival can earn million of fund if its link road was constructed and arranged for provision of water to irrigate this vast ground for plantation. A large number of people belongings to all walk of life participating in 3 days festival.
G.H. Farooqi PO Box No. 50 GPO Chitral Pakistan Phone No. 0943-302295,414418,03025989602