Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the opening ceremony of the sixth World Nomad Games in Bishkek on Monday.
PM Shehbaz is in Kyrgyzstan on a three-day official visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of State meeting. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Japarov welcomed the PM on arrival at the ceremony.
The event was also attended by several other heads of state and government, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
A Pakistani delegation of athletes is taking part in the international sporting event. PM Shehbaz rose from his seat and applauded as the Pakistani contingent entered the stadium, while spectators also warmly cheered the athletes.
The World Nomad Games combine traditional sports and cultural activities associated with the nomadic heritage of Central Asia, particularly the Turkic communities. Organisers said competitors from 104 countries have registered for this year’s edition.
The games feature traditional disciplines such as horseback archery, wrestling and indigenous board games. The opening ceremony included cultural performances as well as parade-style appearances by participating national teams.
PM Shehbaz arrived in Bishkek earlier on Monday at the invitation of President Japarov. He was received at Manas International Airport by Kyrgyzstan’s Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev.
During his stay from August 31 to September 2, the PM will attend the SCO summit and outline Pakistan’s position on important regional and international developments, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and senior government officials are accompanying him.
