Government holds biennial games in Peshawar after last year’s cancellation over security concerns.
Pakistan’s national games held since the founding of the nation are back on, after a gap of two years as a result of security concerns.
It is taking place in the violence-ridden northwestern city of Peshawar, the scene of a series of attacks that left hundreds dead in the past one year.
More than 3,000 athletes from across the country will take part in the six-day event with the message that Pakistanis want peace and brotherhood.
Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder reports from Peshawar.