The Dragon Boat Festival staged by China Window drew thousands to the banks of the Kabul River as sport, culture and Pakistan-China friendship converged for a first-of-its-kind event in Pakistan. The riverfront came alive with colorful boats, drumbeats and the energetic chants of more than 100 racers who represented a range of teams from across the region.
The boat race was jointly won by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police team and the Charsadda team, while the Sports Writers Association took second place and the Peshawar High Court crew finished third. Female rowers featured prominently, marking the largest participation of women in a boat race competition held in the country to date.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Culture and Tourism Malik Adil Iqbal attended as chief guest and distributed trophies, medals and cash prizes to the winning teams. He praised China Window for strengthening Pakistan-China ties through the Dragon Boat Festival and said the event projected a positive image of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that could help attract future tourism.
China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik described the festival as an introduction of an ancient Chinese cultural tradition to Pakistan that helped bring communities closer together. He announced plans to hold the Dragon Boat Festival regularly and paid tribute to the district administration for its support in logistics and safety arrangements.
Provincial ministers Fazal Shakoor and Akhtarullah Jan, Members of the Provincial Assembly, Deputy Commissioner Charsadda Azmatullah Wazir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ms. Rina Abbasi, Director Culture and Tourism Ms. Halima Iqbal, officials from Rescue 1122 and Chinese guests were among the dignitaries who witnessed the races. The Federal Constabulary Band performed and FC personnel presented a Khattak Dance, adding cultural depth to the sporting spectacle.
The district administration managed security and participant safety throughout the day. Spectators, families and youth lined the riverbank to watch fast-moving boats and impressive teamwork. Organizers said the success of this inaugural Dragon Boat Festival during the 75th anniversary celebrations of Pakistan-China friendship paves the way for it to become an annual highlight in the provincial events calendar.
