BY: KASHIFUDDIN SYED
DI KHAN: The grand cultural, sporting, and recreational festival of Derajat officially commenced today at the Ratta Kulachi Stadium in Dera Ismail DI Khan, with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government ensuring all arrangements were in place for a memorable celebration.
The festival, which will run until April 20, aims to highlight the region’s rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and tourism potential through a series of sports, entertainment, and traditional activities.
The inaugural event, held at 3 PM, featured a parade, cattle show, fireworks, and a livestock exhibition showcasing prized animals from DI Khan and nearby areas. A key attraction was the launch of Mela Span, where around 2,500 high-breed horses were brought in for competitions and displays.
Provincial Sports Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan, along with MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur, City Mayor Omar Amin Gandapur, and MPA Usman Bettani, inspected the preparations at the Ratta Kulachi Sports Complex.
Minister Jahan emphasized the festival’s role in preserving KP’s cultural legacy. “Our traditions have deep historical roots, and such events help keep them alive while promoting national sports and unity,” he stated. He also extended an invitation to visitors nationwide, calling the festival a platform for peace and harmony.
Also read: Derajat festival to promote regional culture, harmony: CM
Director-General Sports Abdul Nasir Khan and Regional Sports Officer Raziullah Bettani provided a detailed briefing on the festival’s activities, which include traditional music, martial arts displays, and recreational competitions.
The KP government hopes the festival will boost local tourism and the economy while reinforcing a message of communal cohesion from the people of Derajat.
