Here comes spring: Annual carnival in DI Khan shows signs of rift within PTI

This year two fairs were organised by district govt to celebrate same occassion

DI KHAN: The carnival to celebrate the coming of spring is celebrated every year in DI Khan. Locally, it is known as Mela aspa wa mawashyai (Hindko for horse and cattle show). This year, the same occasion was being celebrated as two separate carnivals by two groups within Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. The carnival commenced on March 20 and concluded on Wednesday. One of the carnivals was held in Ratha Kulachi while the other in Katch, DI Khan.

The Ratha Kulachi fair was held under the leadership of Ali Amin Gandapur. It attracted a bigger crowd and the event started with great pomp and circumstance. Gandapur inaugurated the carnival on Tuesday.

Horses performed various tricks at the opening ceremony. Gandapur, who is fond of horses, even raced on one. He appreciated PTI’s efforts to create recreational spaces and holding such events for the public. “Not only is PTI providing people with opportunities for recreation, but is also putting forth efforts to develop K-P,” he said.

Gandapur recently quit his ministry, stating he would be more useful working for the party at a more grass-roots level.

Safe no more

Two policemen were killed on Wednesday while they were en route to the Kulachi fair. However, a day ago, DI Khan DC Nisar Ahmad Khan told the media all efforts were made to make the event as safe as possible.

“This carnival is not only to exhibit K-P’s culture, but it also serves the purpose of healthy and clean fun for all,” he said.

Many people brought animals for the show; there were horses that danced and performed; artistes sang to folk music; and clothes and other handicrafts were also put on sale.

Groups within PTI

Pakistan Peoples Party’s former deputy speaker of national assembly Faisal Karim Kundi, while talking to the media, said, “PTI’s slogan for change is hollow,” adding PTI is divided in groups in DI Khan.

“It is because of this fight within PTI that the carnival is being held in two places,” he said.Kundi added one carnival, held at Ratha Kulachi, is organised by the group that supports Imran Khan, while the other one is being held in Katch by supporters of Pervez Khattak.

“PTI’s elected representatives should focus on public service. They should solve the issue of natural gas supply to DI Khan and bring an end to load-shedding,” Kundi said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2016.