Tent Pegging to Headline Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival in Islamabad
By Tanveer Ahmed :
Traditional equestrian sport tent pegging will take centre stage at the Pakistan Tourism, Sports and Family Festival scheduled for 31 January to 1 February in the federal capital. The two-day event is being organised by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) to promote tourism, cultural heritage and family-friendly recreation.
The festival will be held at F-9 Park and the Islamabad Sports Complex, offering a blend of sporting action, cultural displays and entertainment activities for visitors of all ages.
Main Attraction: Tent Pegging Competitions
The tent pegging contests, set for 31 January at F-9 Park, are expected to draw more than 50 teams from across the country. The traditional cavalry sport — considered one of Pakistan’s most celebrated heritage disciplines — involves riders using lances or swords to pick up small wooden pegs from the ground while galloping at high speed.
For the first time, the Al-Buraq Tent Pegging Club will participate, fielding lady riders Zamal Qaisrani and Manahil Qaisrani alongside teammates Nauman Khalid, Chaudhry Aftab Palaak, Rana Ahmad Nawaz Kalu and Ibrahim.
The Al-Khayyam Club team will include Malik Ibtisam, Hassan Raza Cheema, Humayun Gondal and Nauman Ali.
The competitions are being organised under the patronage of former deputy mayor Islamabad Syed Zeeshan Naqvi, with organisers expressing confidence that the event will attract large crowds and help preserve Pakistan’s traditional sporting heritage.
Family Festival Atmosphere
Beyond the equestrian contests, the festival will feature:
- Car and bike shows
- Paragliding displays
- Cultural performances
- Regional food stalls
- Live music and family entertainment activities
Organisers say the event aims to showcase a positive image of Pakistan while encouraging community participation and tourism within the capital.
Citizens and visitors have been invited to attend in large numbers to witness the spectacle of tent pegging and enjoy the broader range of festival activities designed for families and tourists alike.
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