DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The ongoing Derajaat Festival continues to bring colour and joy to the Dera city, as a unique and heartwarming pet show was held at the Town Hall, drawing participation from animal lovers of all ages.

Organised as part of the cultural festivities, the show featured a wide variety of pets, including different breeds of dogs, cats, pigeons, parrots, mynas, roosters and other domesticated animals. The event turned out to be a major attraction, especially for children and families.

The chief guest of the event, Dera city mayor Umar Amin Gandapur, praised the organisers and emphasised the broader significance of such programmes.

`Events like this pet show highlight the softer, more compassion-ate side of our society where animals are not only cared for but celebrated,` he added.

The participants decorated their pets with great care and enthusiasm, and the sight of children walking their pets down a small stage brought smiles and applause from the audience.

Young participants like Mahd Haroon Baloch, Mohammad Naheel, Mohammad Zubair, Mohammad Rafay and others brought their pets to the event and expressed their excitement while spealcing to Dawn. `I`ve always loved animals, and for the first time, I got to showcase my pet in front of so many people,` said Mahd Baloch.

Director of operations, sports department Naimatullah, and deputy director Jamshed Baloch also graced the occasion, who praised the initiative and emphasised the importance of such inclusive culturalactivities.