Lahore : “May my beautiful country, and beloved homeland Punjab remain happy and prosperous for ever,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while inaugurating along with Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif the National Horse & Cattle Show 2025 after a hiatus of 35 years. She also performed a unique digital inauguration of the fair with a handprint.
Earlier, she welcomed the Prime Monistrr Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his arrival to attend the ceremony. Riding in a traditional buggy, both Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif reached the salute platform in the opening ceremony of the Show in the Fortress Stadium. A contingent of 04 horsemen came in front of the platform to seek their permission to start the Show. The chief guests gave them formal permission and inaugurated the event.
As soon as the Show began, the Fortress Stadium resonated with the beat of drums. A contingent of international tent pegging teams from Pakistan, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States, along with archery teams of Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, and Tajikistan marched pass the platform. The livestock march began with the camels dancing to the beat of drums. The Show also featured the best breeds of buffaloes from Nili Ravi, Sahiwal and other areas of Punjab. The exhibition of Lohi, Mundri sheep, Thal Faisalabad and Gujarat betel and dancing goats was also the center of attention. Colorful floats reflecting regional and provincial culture were the center of attention of the audience, Slovak artists entertained the audience with laser light tricks, Macedonian band performed on traditional Punjabi songs. Regional dance performances were presented on decorated floats, and hundreds of drummers also performed on the occasion. A drummer playing 06 drums at the same time became the center of attention of everyone. A mesmerizing show of dervish dance was presented by the
renowned choreographer Wahab Shah along with hundreds of artists. They also performed traditional songs of Punjab and captivated the audience. Thousands of children and youth gathered in front of the stage for Atif Aslam’s special performance. National flag, Minar-e-Pakistan and other national and regional laser images were also presented from drones. A large number of families participated in the Horse & Cattle Show, who kept clapping and praising the performances. Madam Chief Minister went into the audience and met them. The audience enthusiastically shouted slogans to welcome her.