LANDI KOTAL: Additional Chief Secretary Fata Sikandar Qayyum on Tuesday inaugurated a five-day all-Fata inter-schools sports festival at the Jamrud Sports Stadium.

Thefestivalis arrangedunderaegisof directorate ofsports andculture Fata,in which around 1,000 players and athletes will participate in eight games, including football, cricket, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table-tennis and athletics.

Khyber Agency Political Agent Khalid Mehmud, Assistant Political Agent Jamrud Mohammad Riaz and 1(hasadar officials along with tribal elders and a large number of tribesmen attended the inaugural function.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Qayyum said that organising such sports events was aimed at providing healthy activities to the people of Fata as the region was badly affected by decade-long militancy and extremism.

He said that with the restoration of peace in the region and the return and rehabilitation of thousands of displaced families, the government was keen on initiating such healthy and productive activities.

Political agent Khalid Mehmud said that the event would help in exploring hidden talent of tribal players along with providing them better sports facilities.

He said that the day was not far when players from tribal regions would make a mark both at national and international levels as they possessed considerable talent.