Peshawar
The Military Lands and Cantonments Department, which organizes flower exhibitions for the public in every cantonment across Pakistan to promote love for nature and provide recreational opportunities, has officially inaugurated the 16th Annual Rose and Spring Flower Exhibition 2025. The inauguration and prize distribution ceremony took place on April 14, 2025, at Sher Khan Shaheed Park on Khyber Road, Peshawar, in a dignified event. The Corps Commander Peshawar attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest.
Thanks to the efforts of Station Commander Brigadier Umar Saeed Afridi and Cantonment Board Executive Officer Peshawar Chaudhry Babar Hussain, the colorful festival of spring flowers was made possible. The Chief Guest praised the event as a valuable gift from Cantonment Board Peshawar to the citizens and appreciated the efforts of all organizations departments involved in making the festival a success, especially those who participated in the competitions for the first time to include Agriculture University Peshawar, Umeed Special Education System among others.
Winning teams in the flower stall competition were awarded cash prizes, trophies and certificates, and the Chief Guest encouraged the public to plant greenery and flowers in their homes, streets, and neighborhoods.
Executive Officer Chaudhry Babar Hussain, in his address, announced that the festival would remain open to the public from April 15 to 18. Over 200 varieties of flowers are on display. Around 70 contestants participated in the event, including teams from Cantonment Board Peshawar, CMH, FC Fort Bala Hisar, PAF Base, and Air Headquarters. Special thanks were extended to institutions participating for the first time, such as the Agricultural University, Bacha Khan College, Islamia College and University, Umeed Special Education School, and 75 Ordnance Unit.
Cantonment Board Peshawar hosts two major exhibitions each year for the public the Chrysanthemum Show in December and the Spring Flower Show in April. These exhibitions attract nature lovers, local residents, and people from across the city to witness the beauty and variety of spring flowers. These events have become a cherished gift for the people of Peshawar, especially for the residents of Peshawar Cantonment, reflecting their love for nature and enriching the city’s culture.
The Cantonment Board decorates the streets, roads, and public parks of the cantonment area with colorful flowers, filling the city with fragrance and beauty. These exhibitions are eagerly awaited by the public each year. Executive Officer also acknowledged the hard work of Mr. Mehr Gul Wazir, Senior Horticulturist, and all the gardeners of the Garden Branch, who had been preparing for the event for months.
In the competitions, Cantonment Board Peshawar secured the overall first position. Events were also held for women (cut flower competition) and children (painting and sketching contests). A young local woman, Ms. Mashal Khan, won first place in the cut flower competition, while the students of Government Girls High School Islamia Collegiate took first place in the painting competition. Winners received cash prizes, trophies, and certificates.
Students of the Umeed Special Education System gave a delightful cultural performance that was warmly received by the audience. Additionally, young students of Cantonment Public Schools presented a charming tableau.
At the end of the ceremony, Executive Officer Peshawar extended special thanks to Serena Hotel Peshawar, Pak Bikers, Marshal Town Gulberg Heights, Shiraz Ronaq, Bank Al Habib Limited, DHA Peshawar, and Maxim Advertisers for their support in organizing the event.
Numerous civilians and military officers attended the event. The dedication and hard work of the gardeners were highly appreciated, as their efforts played a vital role in the grand success of this year’s exhibition.
The 16th Annual Rose and Spring Flower Festival continues as a prominent event, celebrated for its cultural significance, community involvement, and natural beauty.
