“Buner Gul Da Namir 2025” — A Vibrant Fusion of Culture, Sports, and Entertainment

 

For the first time in its history, the district of Buner in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hosted a colorful and dynamic three-day cultural and traditional sports festival titled “Buner Gul Da Namir 2025”. Organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate, the event successfully blended regional sports, culture, music, poetry, food, fireworks, and various recreational activities. The festival drew enthusiastic participation from all six tehsils of Buner, highlighting local identity and providing youth with a platform for positive engagement.

Men’s sports competitions were held at Government Degree College Daggar, while events for women took place at Government Hashim Sar Girls College. The festival’s name, Gul Da Namir, is inspired by a red flower native to Buner, symbolizing the beauty and uniqueness of the region.

The opening ceremony at Government Degree College Daggar was a grand affair, inaugurated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan and Provincial Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Syed Fakhar Jahan. Distinguished attendees included Sports Secretary Zia-ul-Haq, Deputy Commissioner Buner Kashif Qayyum, Director Operations Jamshed Baloch, elected officials, PTI workers, and a large number of citizens. The event featured fireworks, music, martial arts performances, Sufi melodies, a national flag parade by athletes, and a series of engaging traditional games that captivated the audience.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Syed Fakhar Jahan announced the launch of a "Meena Bazaar" for women for the first time and shared the cabinet’s decision to open school playgrounds to the public during evening hours to promote physical activity among youth. He described the festival as a vital step toward cultural harmony, promotion of local talent, and youth awareness. He emphasized that such events strengthen regional identity and social unity.

PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan praised the provincial government for organizing such community-level festivals, stating that these activities not only offer recreational opportunities to the youth but also promote traditional sports and cultural values at the grassroots level.

Buner’s cold weather, frequent rain, historical significance, and public interest added charm to the festival. Even those who usually close their shops early stayed late into the night to attend the opening and closing ceremonies. Notably, elderly residents and children participated in large numbers, reflecting the community's deep connection with cultural celebrations.

The festival was funded by the Youth Directorate. However, there was some concern regarding the performance of the District Sports Officer (DSO), who had been assigned additional duties but could not meet the demands of the event. For future success, it was suggested that the directorate consider permanent appointments if it intends to increase its activities in the sports minister’s constituency.

It was further emphasized that the newly appointed Director General of Sports must guide DSOs to adopt a people-friendly approach. Rank and authority alone are not enough in the field of sports — true leadership lies in collaboration with players and the community, which builds respect and encourages youth participation.

A Fitting Finale and Honoring Local Heroes

At the closing ceremony, attended by the Director General of Sports and officials from the Youth Directorate, the "Fakhar-e-Buner" (Pride of Buner) Awards were presented to individuals who had rendered outstanding services in various fields. These honors extended beyond athletes and included educators, cultural advocates, volunteers, and social contributors. The gesture was widely appreciated and seen as a commendable move by the Sports Directorate to acknowledge and encourage public service across sectors.

In every sense, “Buner Gul Da Namir 2025” was a resounding success — meaningful, inclusive, and unforgettable.