Horse & Cattle Show back after 3 decades

Several foreign tent pegging, archery teams to participate

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LAHORE:

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the National Horse and Cattle Show after a hiatus of 35 years along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday.

"May my beautiful country and beloved homeland Punjab remain happy and prosperous forever," said the chief minister while inaugurating the event digitally with a handprint.

She welcomed the prime minister on his arrival to attend the ceremony at Fortress Stadium.

The stadium resonated with the drumbeat as tent pegging teams from Pakistan, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United States, along with archery teams of Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye and Tajikistan marched past the platform.

The ceremony also featured dancing camels, the best breeds of buffaloes from Sahiwal and other areas of Punjab. Lohi and Mundri sheep, Thal, Faisalabad and Gujrat beatal goats also became the centre of attention.

Floats reflecting the regional and provincial culture were also displayed.

Slovak artistes entertained the crowd with laser light tricks and a Macedonian band performed on traditional Punjabi songs. Regional dance performances were also presented on decorated floats as hundreds of drummers performed on the occasion, including one playing six drums at the same time.

A show of dervish dance was presented by choreographer Wahab Shah along with hundreds of artistes. They also performed on traditional songs of Punjab.

Thousands of children and youth gathered in front of the stage for singer Atif Aslam's performance.

Laser images of the national flag and Minar-e-Pakistan were also presented from drones.

A large number of families participated in the Horse and Cattle Show.

The event being organised after more than 30 years aims to promote Punjab's rich cultural heritage and agricultural advancements. Preparations for the show had been under way for the past four months, bringing together the diverse colours of the province.

The event will feature cultural, literary and traditional shows, with 80 local and 14 national teams participating. The National Horse and Cattle Show will continue with several activities planned over the coming days.