The former U.S Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs and the Country Director,United States Agency for International Development (USAID),in Pakistan, Mrs. Robin Raphel visited Chitral, a scenic and picturesque valley, in northern Pakistan. She watched a Polo match in a festival called “The Qaqlashht Festival”
A linchpin of Hoolbrook’s Team Pakistan, Raphel now coordinates the U.S civilian aid efforts in the country.
“Chitral is such a beautiful place to see and I am impressed by the unique culture and the great hospitality of the people. This place has a wonderful opportunity to enhance the eco-tourism” She said here in Chitral.
Raphel was the chief Guest at Qaqlashht Festival which is organized every year (April 14 -17) to entertain visitors and promote the local culture.
Mrs. Raphel assured the local community that she would be interested in promoting the eco-tourism of Chitral and create economic opportunities for the local community through the American civilian aid programs such as USAID.
Earlier, Raphel was briefed by Shamsuddin, Manager Chitral Association for Mountain Areas Tourism (CAMAT), a local NGO, about its activities and efforts to promote tourism in Chitral.
A variety of sports and festive activities are showcased in the festival inc: Polo, football, Volley ball, Cricket, Hockhy, Mirathan races, Tug of War, shooting competition, cultural shows and traditional triumph dances.
The festival was sponsored by Tourism Corporation of KP and CAMAT made the arrangements with the help of Qaqlassht Committee. It will continue offering its grandeur until 17th of this month and a large number of local and foreign visitors are expected.
Contributed by G.H.Farooqui from Chitral, Pakistan