Three-day rally ends: Souped up jeeps bring Thal desert to life

Sahibzada Sultan, former champion of Cholistan jeep rally, clinches first position


Owais Qarni November 05, 2016
Around 65 drivers from across the country took part in the Thal Jeep Rally, which was organised by the Punjab Tourism Development Corporation. PHOTOS: APP

MULTAN: The first-ever jeep rally in the Thal desert ended on Saturday with Sahibzada Sultan, a former champion of the famous Cholistan jeep rally, clinching the first position. The second position was grabbed by Asad Khoro while Faisal Shah secured the third position.

Sahibzada covered the distance of 191 kilometres in two hours, 26 minutes and 10 seconds while Asad completed the distance in two hours, 40 minutes and 11 seconds.

The winners of the qualifying round Nadir Magsi and Faisal Shah failed to reach the end point because their jeeps broke down on the way. Nadir was declared the winner in the qualifying round but could only cover a distance of three kilometres in the race.



Around 65 jeep drivers from various cities across the country took part in the rally. Four different categories of vehicles participated in the final day rally where the track comprised various areas of District Layyah and District Muzaffargarh.

The winner of the rally bagged a cash prize of Rs2.5 million, which is higher than the prize money awarded to the winner of the Cholistan jeep race. Depending on fuel and engine capacity, vehicles were registered in eight categories. A special category for women drivers was also introduced.

The event kicked off formally with a flag-hoisting ceremony. Layyah District Coordination Officer Syed Wajid Ali had announced a public holiday on November 5 in the district to mark the event.



Talking to The Express Tribune, Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab Secretary Asghar Hussain said that all necessary arrangements were made to make the Thal Jeep Rally a success. “The main objective of organising this event was to bring people of all four provinces closer and promote peace,” he added.

The rally was planned in under-developed and vulnerable districts of the province to generate economic activities and help promote the local culture of Punjab.

Apart from the jeep rally, the Layyah district government also organised a series of events, including local cultural performances and sports competitions.

Over 50 teams were in the running for the camel race and volleyball. A number of food stalls were set up to entertain participants near the race track.

Members of national and provincial assemblies, officials of the district administration and a large number of students from schools and colleges attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 6th, 2016.

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