Rev it up: 4x4s line Indus River bank in Swabi

Water rally cancelled in past due to security reasons

SWABI:

Although it was cancelled in the past, nothing could stop some 60 four wheelers and other terrain monsters at the start of the water cross held near Hund, Swabi on Indus River on Sunday.

“It is a pleasure for us to arrange such an activity which aims at reviving tourism in the province,” said Irshad Khan who is from Abbottabad and secured third position in the competition. The water cross literally entails crossing the river in jeeps and other 4x4s. The crossing point for this particular rally has a no-less than ancient standing – the jeeps cross where once Alexander the Great did to attack India.



However, Irshad added, the activity does not only cost participants a substantial amount of money but is also dangerous; inexperienced drivers cannot and should not participate.

Record times

He crossed the river in 1.45 minutes while Khalid Khan, from Karachi, stood second by finishing in 1.39 minutes. However, Nadeem Naeem who stood first crossed the river in 1.37 minutes.

Majority of the drivers managed to cross the river successfully; but no water cross is complete without the stragglers and the accident prone. Some enthusiasts got stuck in the water. But they were successfully rescued by the recovery team present there.

According to the organisers of the event, the distance that had to be covered was 600 metres point to point in the shortest possible time. He said the place was the most suitable as it was a challenging track, especially in winter when water flow reduces.

Not without a splash

Locals gathered to watch the competition. However, it was difficult for them to reach the site as there are few paved or carpeted routes.  The previous district administration cancelled the event due to
security reasons.

The event was organised by Frontier 4x4 Club and sponsored by Tourism Corporation Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Frontier 4x4 club has so far organised a number of activities in the province. However, they find Indus River cross is one of their biggest crowd pleasers.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2016.