Orakzai Mela concludes with enthusiasm and zeal

F.P. Report
KALAYA: The three-day “Orakzai Zalmo Mela” that was jointly organized by the the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Tourism Wing Merged Areas, Pakistan Army and in collaboration with the district sports department, concluded in a colorful ceremony at the Kalaya Sports Complex in Orakzai Tribal District.
The event was attended by Commandant Orakzai Scout Colonel, Saadat Hussain and Deputy Commissioner Tayyab Abdullah as Chief Guests. Wing Commander Lieutenant Colonel Tariq Khattak, Project Director Merged Districts Ishtiaq Ahmad, District Police Officer (DPO) Salahuddin Kundi, Assistant Commissioner Lower Orakzai Hamza Abbas, Cheif coordinator event Captain Rana Zeeshan and Tehsil Chairman Molana Tariq.
The Deputy Commissioner mentioned that the event would help explore the hidden talents of the youth and prepare them for international events. He emphasized that peace has been restored in the area, making it open for tourists to visit and enjoy its beauty.
He appreciated the efforts of KPCTA and expressed the desire for such events to be held in the future.
The festival aimed to introduce the tourism sector as an industry in the merged Orakzai district, inviting tourists to explore the area’s beauty while experiencing the traditions and culture of Orakzai district. It also aimed to ‘fill the playgrounds and shift the minds of the youngsters towards healthy and Creative activities that can result in Peace and harmony.’
A large number of elders and youth, including students from different schools, attended the event and enjoyed the festival on the third day.
Different stalls were set up in the festival to highlight the rich traditions of the area, along with pavilions showcasing local cuisines and items representing the traditions of the merged district. Various events, including cricket, kabaddi, volleyball, stone lifting, tractor stop, truck pulling, tug of war, Desi Kushti, archery, slingshot, gymnastic and athletics, were also held during the festival.
It’s 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. The festival also conveyed the message to the world that peace has been restored in the area through the joint efforts of the Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies, police, local elders and the people.
KPCTA has also introduced Samana Top, Nanwar Cave, and Sampogh Top as tourist destinations, and the majority of work on the installation of camping pods has been completed.
Later, Commandant Orakzai Scout Colonel Saadat Hussain and Deputy Commissioner Tayyab Abdullah distributed prizes and certificates among outstanding performers who participated in events, including cricket, kabaddi, volleyball, stone lifting, tractor stop, truck pulling, tug of war, Desi Kushti, archery, slingshot, gymnastic and athletics. KPCTA also arranged a musical night that was largely enjoyed and attended by people.