Cholistan Jeep Rally begins

BAHAWALPUR:

The 11th Cholistan Jeep Rally began on Saturday with 80 vehicles registered in eight different categories.

"Nearly 200,000 people are expected to attend the event," said District Police Officer Sarfraz Ahmad Falki. This year’s route is 218 kilometers long.



Two female drivers are also participating in the event. The vehicles registered for participation in the rally have been divided into eight categories.

“A category for women drivers has been introduced for the first time,” PTDC General Manager Tanveer Jabbar said.

Falki said a security plan for the jeep rally had been finalised in collaboration with the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab.

Arrangements for the mega event are complete, Bahawalpur Division Commissioner Saqib Zafar said on Thursday. “This year’s attractions include spectacular entertainment shows for the participants and the audience.” The commissioner said that the district administration had also ensured tight security.



Zafar was addressing journalists at a media briefing held with regards to the Cholistan Jeep Rally. “This rally has become an identity marker for Cholistan desert,” he said. The government ups its efforts to provide entertainment and facilities each year, he said.

One of the key attractions this year is a paragliding troupe. “Eight paragliders including two women will participate in the event.”

PTDC General Manager Tanveer Jabbar said that Bahawalpur district encapsulated the spirit of adventure and history of south Punjab. He said it was very heartening to note that foreign media houses had expressed great interest in covering the three-day event.

Jabbar said that the PTDC had arranged for 23 tour camps for foreigners to stay in this year. “We are excited about the level of interest shown by students this year.” Nearly 1,800 students from various schools and colleges in Lahore have registered to participate in the event, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 14^th, 2016.