Sardaryab (Charsadda) China Window, the Chinese cultural center based in Peshawar, has written a new chapter in Pakistan-China friendship by successfully organizing a memorable Dragon Boat Festival. The boat race, held for the first time in Pakistan’s history on the banks of the Kabul River, was jointly won by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police team and the Charsadda team. The Sports Writers Association team secured second position, while the Peshawar High Court team finished third.
For the first time, the waters of the Kabul River were adorned with the colors of Chinese culture as the Dragon Boat Festival brought together sports, culture, and Pakistan-China friendship on a single platform. The Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Culture and Tourism, Malik Adil Iqbal, attended as the chief guest. Provincial ministers Fazal Shakoor and Akhtarullah Jan, Members of the Provincial Assembly, Deputy Commissioner Charsadda Azmatullah Wazir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Charsadda Ms. Rina Abbasi, officials of Rescue 1122, Director Culture and Tourism Ms. Halima Iqbal, and thousands of spectators witnessed the historic event.
The district administration made excellent arrangements for security and the safety of the participants. The Federal Constabulary Band filled the atmosphere with melodies celebrating Pakistan-China friendship, while FC personnel presented a spectacular Khattak Dance performance, making the Dragon Boat Festival even more memorable. Meanwhile, colorful boats, the beat of drums, and the enthusiastic chants of the rowers kept the audience captivated throughout the event.
More than 100 boat racers participated in the competitions and were divided into different teams. The fast-moving boats and impressive displays of teamwork provided great entertainment for the spectators. The participation of female rowers was one of the festival’s most notable features. Chinese guests also attended and enjoyed the Dragon Boat Festival, which received widespread appreciation from the audience. It was also the first time that such a large number of women took part in a boat race competition.
A large number of citizens, youth, and families gathered along the banks of the Kabul River to witness the festival. At the conclusion of the event, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Culture and Tourism Malik Adil Iqbal distributed trophies, medals, and cash prizes among the winning teams.
Speaking on the occasion, he said that China Window had become a significant center of Pakistan-China friendship in both Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He noted that the successful organization of the Dragon Boat Festival on the Kabul River not only projected a positive image of the province to China and the rest of the world but would also help attract tourists in the future. Malik Adil Iqbal congratulated the organizers of China Window on the successful holding of the Dragon Boat Festival during the celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China friendship. He expressed confidence that the festival would become an annual event.China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik said that the Dragon Boat Festival had not only introduced an ancient Chinese cultural tradition to Pakistan but had also played an important role in bringing the people of the two countries closer together. Following its successful organization, plans are being made to hold the festival regularly in the coming years. He also paid tribute to the district administration for its outstanding support and arrangements in organizing the competitions.
