PHOTO: EXPRESS
The annual traditional sporting event, held at the proverbial roof of the world, has fast become one of the tourist highlights of the year for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Chitral in particular.
As part of the provincial government’s attempts to convert it into a tourism event, it has announced to operate special flights to and from Chitral, especially for the foreign tourists expected to visit the festival.
Officials said that the national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will operate two special flights from Islamabad to Chitral, ferrying tourists. The flights will start a day before the three-day festival commences on July 7.
In this regard, facilitation desk has been set up at the Chitral, Peshawar and Islamabad airports.
The provincial tourism ministry conducted a special meeting for finalising preparations for the event. Expecting around 100,000 tourists and polo fans to attend the festival, it was decided that all government buildings will be vacated to house visitors.
Furthermore, special security measures will be adopted for the security and safety of tourists.
K-P Tourism Minister Atif Khan stated that the tournament — which manifests the traditional rivalry between Chitral and neighbouring Gilgit — will see four teams participate from the Chitral side.
Moreover, a special helpline has been set up to facilitate tourists in the best possible way.
Atif urged tourists to book their seats by tomorrow and directed the Chitral deputy commissioner to adopt special measures for facilitating tourists.
In a meeting with K-P Chief Minister Mahmood Khan, it was disclosed that better network and internet facilities will be provided to visitors and members of the media.
The meeting was also told that arrangements have been made for dealing with health issues of tourists by setting up a health unit.
Sultan ‘Golden’ eyes new records
Former world record holder and famous stunt driver Sultan Muhammad Khan ‘Golden’ on Thursday claimed to have created a new world record of driving a car in reverse at speeds in excess of 112 kilometres an hour.
The record was allegedly set as Sultan — also known as Sultan Golden — prepares to break another record: longest reverse ramp jump in a car. He will attempt to break that record in the upcoming Shandur Polo Festival in Chitral.
Sultan Golden, who originally hails from Balochistan, is currently practising in Saidu Sharif, Swat.
The famed stuntman has said that he is a vehicle jumping specialist. On March 5, 1987, he had set a world record for ramp jumping a motorbike for 249 feet over 22 cars. Recognised by the Guinness Book of Records, the feat helped break an American record for jumping 246 feet.
The current world record for driving in reverse is held by Darren Manning who set the record of driving at 165.08 kilometres in reverse at the Kemble Airfield in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2002. Manning pulled off the feat in a customized Caterham 7 Fireblade powered by a 900cc Honda motorcycle engine with a built-in gearbox which allowed the six forward gears to become reverse gears.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2019.
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