ISLAMABAD, August 10, 2026: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has approved a Rs2 billion project to develop and maintain 12 polo grounds in Upper and Lower Chitral, including the historic Shandur Polo Ground, according to an official document available with Wealth Pakistan.
The project is aimed at preserving Chitral’s traditional polo culture while strengthening sports tourism and creating new economic opportunities for local communities linked to transport, hospitality, food services and small businesses.
The Chitral polo grounds project is the largest individual tourism-related scheme listed for the region in the document.
Among the venues covered is the Shandur Polo Ground, which hosts the annual Shandur Polo Festival at Shandur Top.
The festival is organised in coordination with Chitral Scouts, district administration, police and the Gilgit-Baltistan government, and draws visitors to the region during the tourism season.
According to the document, tourism generated around the festival supports local businesses through accommodation, transport, food services, temporary stalls and other commercial activity.
Polo Remains Central to Chitral’s Cultural Identity
Polo has long been associated with Chitral’s cultural heritage and community life.
The traditional version played in the region differs from formal club polo, with a faster and more physical style that is closely linked with local festivals and community gatherings.
The government project is intended to improve infrastructure at polo grounds while preserving their role in Chitral’s cultural and sporting traditions.
Tourism Festivals Also Part of Chitral Promotion
The official document also identifies several festivals used to promote tourism in the region.
These include the Shandur Polo Festival, Pre-Shandur Polo Tournament, Qaqhlasht Festival, Broghil Festival, Khut Festival, Chilam Joshi Festival, Uchal Summer Festival and Choimus Winter Festival.
Other tourism schemes listed for Chitral include tourist rest areas, picnic sites, camping pod villages and road development projects.
Authorities expect the polo ground development programme to strengthen Chitral’s sports tourism infrastructure and support communities that depend on visitor spending during major cultural and sporting events.
Also Read: KP govt to develop 12 polo grounds in Chitral
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