DERA ISMAIL KHAN: A series of traditional games as part of the Derajat Festival drew large crowds on the second day on Sunday.

The events included tent pegging, wrestling, kabaddi, and doda (traditional wrestling), among others.

MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur and tehsil mayor Umar Amin Gandapur were also present.

The tent pegging event was a major attraction, featuring over 70 rider clubs, showcasing their skills. The performances were met with great appreciation and applause from the audience.

A special highlight was the participation of a women rider club from Islamabad, whose performance received widespread praise.

Similarly, the kabaddi and doda matches saw participation from renowned wrestlers of the region and beyond, bringing a spirit of competition and excitement to the event. Other competitions, such as sack and stone lifting, also took place on the day.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA Faisal Amin emphasised that Derajat Festival not only promoted regional culture and traditions but also exemplified the spirit of hospitality.

Talking to reporters on the occasion, tehsil mayor Umar Amin Gandapur remarked that the festival was a source of joy not only for local residents and athletes but also for participants from other districts.

Meanwhile, chaos broke out on Saturday night during a volleyball match when 10 to 12 unidentified assailants stormed the ticket booth, taking away Rs1.5 million cash, a sound system, and a generator.

The incident took place amidst a large gathering of spectators, with the disturbance erupting at around 12.30am. According to police officials, the attackers, speaking in Pashto, forcibly entered the ticket booth, physically assaulted an organiser with fists, kicks, and batons, and fled with valuables.

Acting swiftly on the directives of district police officer Sajad Ahmad Sahabzada, a police team led by ASP Ali Hamza launched a crackdown, and arrested 35 suspects.

An FIR was registered under Sections 392 and 188 of Pakistan Penal Code.

A complainant, Zia Hussain Syed, a 35-year-old resident of Ballot Sharif, reported that the event had been officially approved by the deputy commissioner. “The attack began shortly after firecrackers were heard outside, prompting a panic among players and the audience, followed by the sudden blackout of the stadium lights,” he said.

Police continued investigations to identify the remaining suspects and recover the stolen items.

Published in Dawn, April 7th, 2025