Following an absence of a few years, the National Horse and Cattle Show 2025 recommenced in Fortress Stadium, Lahore, with opulence.
A bright celebration of Pakistan’s rich cultural and agricultural legacy was opened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at the stunning event.
The Fortress Stadium was filled with the pulsating sound of traditional drums as the performance began.
A magnificent march featured international tent pegging teams from Pakistan, Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the US, while an enthralling parade showcased the skills of archery teams from Pakistan, Iran, Turkiye, and Tajikistan. Camels and she-camels danced to the music throughout the cattle march, which added to the joyous mood.There was also a spectacular animal exhibition including the finest kinds of Punjabi cattle, sheep, and goats, including Nili-Ravi and Sahiwal buffaloes, Lohi and Mandri sheep, and Thal, Faisalabadi, Gujrat Beetal, and Nachi goats.
A colourful procession of floats representing province and regional customs captivated onlookers. Traditional dances and performances adorned each float, bringing vibrancy and life to the spectacle.
One of the most mesmerising parts was the magical Dervish dancing performance. A Macedonian band added some global musical flavours to the event, while performers from Slovakia enchanted the audience with laser light shows.
The illustrious choreographer Wahab Shah and hundreds of performers transported the audience to the vibrant Punjabi music scene with a performance of classic tunes.
It was clear that the audience loved vocalist Atif Aslam’s performance.In addition to the national flag and Minar-i-Pakistan, the event also included drone displays and breathtaking laser images of these symbols. The night was made more dramatic by the illumination of torches.
The National Horse and Cattle Show 2025 has done more than just bring back a long-lost institution; it has also cemented Pakistan’s cultural standing internationally and left an unforgettable impression on everyone who went.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by foreign dignitaries, attendees of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference, and Prime Minister Shehbaz and Chief Minister Maryam, as well as Minister of the Interior Mohsin Naqvi.
