CM Punjab and PM Shahbaz Officially Inaugurate Horse and Cattle Show After 35 Years
After 35 years of absence, the National Horse and Cattle show made a grand return to Lahore to herald an historical moment for the Cultural and Agricultural Heritage of Punjab. Formally inaugurated by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif on February 9, 2025, at the historic Fortress Stadium, Horse and Cattle Show was a lively showcase of Punjab culture to celebrate its history, livestock, and international collaborations.
Ceremony of Grand Opening Horse and Cattle Show
The ceremonial inauguration commenced with a traditional mehndi ride, where PM Shahbaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz made their debut at the saluting platform, reminiscent of Punjab’s regal past. The occasion was finally set into motion through a digital handprint by CM Maryam, stating her love for Punjab, “May my beautiful country and beloved homeland Punjab remain happy and prosperous forever”.
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The parade of horsemen was seen requesting permission to kick off the event, followed by a parade beat that resonated in the stadium. Intrepid equestrians from far-off nations did a stunning job exhibiting their skills, with contestants from Kuwait, Norway, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and the United States along with archers from Iran, Pakistan, Turkiye, and Tajikistan.
An Occasion to Celebrate Punjab’s Livestock and Culture
A grand spectacle occurred during the livestock march, with leading breeds like the Nili Ravi and Sahiwal dancing amidst a host of distinguishing sheep and Goats-Lohi, Mundri, and Faisalabadi varieties. Colorful floats illustrating the cultural aspects of different regions and provinces completely mesmerized the spectators, followed by traditional Punjabi folk performances, capped off with a magnificent dervish dance by Wahab Shah, holding the audience open-mouthed during his entire act.
Among the other foreign contributions were Slovak performers who wowed the audience with laser light tricks, while a Macedonian band provided traditional Punjabi songs. Atif Aslam performed a special live show at the end of the Horse and Cattle Show, which thousands of children and teenagers rushed to witness. The drones illuminated the night with the national anthem in forms of Pakistan’s national symbols, including the Pakistani flag and Minar-e-Pakistan.
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Punjab on a Global Stage
This year, participation from other countries exceeded all expectations 70 teams from around the world got together to enjoy the festival. The introduction of international participants raised the show’s standing and promoted cross-cultural exchanges and tourism. The theme, “Unity, Progress, and Cultural Revival,” that marked the occasion brought out Punjab’s aspirations for growth and harmony.
A Festival for All
The Horse and Cattle Show had been conceived as a family fair. A plethora of attractions for the whole family from children’s fairs to vintage car exhibitions, Sufi festivals to musical performances spread over 15 days in various locations around Lahore. For the success of the event, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) and several other agencies worked tirelessly for four months to transform the city into a center for cultural and agricultural festivity.
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Conclusion
The 2025 revival of the National Horse and Cattle Show was a great achievement, as it not only resurrected a tradition of value to all but also appreciated the cultural panorama and agricultural development of the Punjab region. Under the dynamic leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz and PM Shahbaz Sharif, it has revived a historical legacy while paving the way for greater and future unity. Thus, Horse and Cattle Show unique celebration closed its curtains, the works it left behind were that of pride, progress, and hope for the people of Punjab.
